Balaji Ponna

Born in 1980, Balaji Ponna completed his Bachelor’s degree in Graphics from Andhra University in Vishakhapatnam, and his Master’s degree in the same from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan. 

Balaji Ponna’s highly detailed canvases and smaller works on paper may seem undemanding at first. However, the artist employs clever images and snippets of text to subtly address sociopolitical issues, including those of class and corruption, which are prevalent across all levels of Indian society. 

The artist’s solo shows include ‘Black Smoke’ at Bose Pacia, Kolkata, in collaboration with the Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2009; and at Osmosis Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007. Amongst his group shows, the most recent include ‘The July Show’ at the Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2008; at Tulika Arts, Mumbai, in 2008; ‘In the Midst’ organized by Zamaana Arts at Tehresharan Gallery, New York, in 2007; ‘Chronicles of Unspoken’ at Travencore Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 2007; ‘Cross Roads’ at Anant Art Gallery, New Delhi., in 2007; and ‘Stepping In - Stepping Out’ organized by Art Konsult and Gallery Threshold, New Delhi, in 2006. In 2004, Ponna was awarded a National Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

(Profile by Saffronart)