CHENNAI : A myriad of abstract and semi-figurative artworks by artist Madhavi PK, makes us ponder about the existence of the non-existent. “That’s the magic of abstract artwork,” says the artist, a former psychologist and hypnotherapist, who will have on exhibit about 45 artworks on ‘Rudra Sristi’ at Soul spice Art Gallery, Mylapore.From being a psychologist to actor and now an artist, she says, “I am an explorer and I love adventure. I don’t give myself a label. When I was running my own clinic, I was approached by a friend to act in a short film. Shortly after that, I started getting modelling opportunities. I have done close to 15 short films now and have acted in a couple of films as well.”
The urge to explore life and possibilities beyond a single frame drove Madhavi to dabble with multiple disciplines. “I was modelling for artist A Viswam for a few of his projects. We used to discuss a lot about art and one day, he told me to try my hand at painting. Though I was initially hesitant, I took a brush and began expressing myself on canvas and it turned quite good,” she shares.
The last eight months have been about paintbrushes, canvases and colour palettes for the artist. “I realised that I have an innate talent and passion for art. It’s been only eight months since I started painting and I already have my solo exhibition. That’s when I realised what I am capable of... it’s a heartwarming and reassuring feeling,” says the artist who runs her own YouTube channel, ‘Mind and Body Sculpting by Madhavi PK’.
‘Rudra Sristi’ represents Shiva and the process of creation through abstract and semi-figurative paintings. “It’s not about Hinduism or the God himself. It is about everything around us which is abstract, things we feel is non-existent but is right in front of us,” she explains.It took her about a month to complete all the paintings. “Any form of art is a medium of expression. For me expressing my inner self is a state of mind. I don’t do it every day...I mostly paint at night,” she says.Colours like black, red, blue and white inspire her and she uses them more than other colours. “The colours are representative of a personal journey and are suggestive of the chakras. So, I play with them,” she says.
She emphasises on using minimum resources. “Many people think that artists have to spend a lot on resources for a painting. But that’s not so. I try to use minimum resources and not waste anything. Even if there’s a bit of colour left on a brush, I use it on a smaller canvas and make a mini art piece out of it,” she explainsEcstatic about her first solo exhibition, Madhavi has already begun chalking the pieces for her next. “I want to work on a life-size series and on semi-figurative art works. I don’t want to restrict myself to anything. I would like to go with the flow,” she adds.(Madhavi’s artworks will be exhibited at Soul Spice Art Gallery, Mylapore, from June 28, 6 pm onwards)
Playing with colours
It took her about a month to complete all the paintings. “For me expressing my inner self is a state of mind. I don’t do it every day,” she says. Colours like black, red, blue and white inspire her and she uses them more than other colours. “The colours are representative of a personal journey and are suggestive of the chakras. So, I play with them,” she says.