Vividh 2016: Multiple Expressions of Indian Art

RAM KUMAR
Born 1924 in Simla Ram Kumar did his Master's Degree in Economics from Delhi University but
turned to art and joined the Sarada Ukil School of Art, in the city when he began to participate in
group exhibitions, where he was spotted by Raza who later became a close friend. Among the
first generation of post-colonial artists who helped forge an Indian identity though their
aesthetics and sans any iconic representation, Ram Kumar's work stands tall. In a juxtaposition
of what has been described as 'outward joy together with an inward reticence', the legendry
artist's work offers a sensual pleasure, even nirvana in its colours and haze of forms that recall
the tranquil landscapes of Simla- its mountains and horizon, and the bustling cityscapes of
Varanasi- its temples and holy river. Ram Kumar's stringent geometric forms are diligently
textured and painted in layers to give his work its distinctive appearance. His work has been
exhibited and collected extensively all over India and internationally. Ram Kumar lives in Delhi
and works from his studio at home.
S G VASUDEV
Born in Mysore Karnataka in 1941, S.G. Vasudev is an alumnus of Madras College of Art and one
of the founder member of Cholamandal Artists' Village on the outskirts of Chennai in
Tamilnadu. A painter who works in varied media including drawing, metal relief and tapestry
amongst others, Vasudev has created a large body of work. Themed around Vriksha (Tree of
Life), Maithuna (Act of Love), faces, Human-scapes, Earth-scapes and Theatre of Life besides
others, his art comes in an interesting mix of tradition and modernity and in series. His
techniques range from metal beating and casting to painterly compositions that also include
mythological themes. Winner of National and State awards, his work has featured in several
important group exhibitions including the Triennale India, the Paris Biennale, the Havana
Biennale, National Gallery of Modern Art Indian show in Washington, the Festival of India in
Tokyo and The New South – Contemporary Painting & Sculpture from South India in London.
His solo shows have been held in different parts of India and in Canada, the USA and Germany
while his drawings based on the late A.K. Ramanujan's poetry and translations, titled Tribute to
Ramanujan, has toured Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, London and Chicago. His work including
murals adorn many individual, institutional and corporate collections in India and overseas. He
worked as the art director for two award-winning Kannada films, has been on the Executive
Board of the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the advisory committee of the National Gallery of Modern
Art. Vasudev a socially committed artist, is the founder and Managing Trustee of Arnawaz
Vasudev Charities that gives financial assistance to young artists. He lives in Bangalore and
works from his studio on the outskirts of the city.