Vanita Gupta

While referring to her work, artist Vanita Gupta says, “I believe in the ardent need to paint, nothing more nothing less.” This single statement explains how, although minimal, Gupta’s work is always complete. The dynamics of her images, however, are constantly evolving; she experiments with size and texture but the solid white background on which her paintings are mounted remains constant.

Gupta’s monochromatic compositions, rendered almost fluidly with her masterly brushwork, leave the viewer captivated by their Zen-like quality. Since her first solo show in 1994, Gupta has worked assiduously towards mastering the multiple techniques by which paint may be applied onto a surface. In her more recent works, the viewer can instantly recognize her command over mark making techniques and the effortless way in which she now maneuvers between speed and patience, discovery and concealment. Her brushstrokes, varying from a drip to a splash or draggle, suggest a deep intimacy between solidity and the ambiguous nature of liquids.

Vanita Gupta was born in 1971. She studied Fine Arts at L.S. Raheja School of Art, Mumbai, from where she graduated in 1992. She has had a number of solo shows and has participated in select group exhibitions, the more recent being those held at the Gallery in Redchurch Street, London, in 2007; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2006 and 2004; Gallery Threshold, New Delhi, in 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2002; the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, in 2004; and Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2002, 1998 and 1994. The artist has also exhibited at ArtSingapore fair in 2006.

(Profile by Saffronart)

Sanjeev Sompimpri

Manjunath Kamath

Manjunath Kamath tells stories with his images. His narratives, however, are altered and adjusted constantly, adapting fluidly according to the environment they are narrated in, and resulting in a different meaning each time a story is told. As a visual artist, Kamath feels impelled to regularly reinvent his method of storytelling. By relentlessly working on his articulation and modernizing his techniques, the artist continuously updates his visual vocabulary.

The artist’s need to draw and hold his viewers’ attention is palpable in his varied use of painting, drawing, sculpture and video. With the help of these disparate genres he creates narratives that are gripping in content, even though they are composed of simple, commonplace elements. Thus Kamath’s forte ultimately lies in creating fantasies out of the ordinary.

Kamath usually begins a painting with just one element; this could be drawn from memories of past experiences or the reality of present contexts. He then keeps adding and taking away from the imagery, paying particular attention to structuring throughout this process, and ultimately arrives at a composition that he deems suitable to be the vehicle of his narrative. To Kamath, then, the process of construction is more important than his completed work.

Born in 1972 in Mangalore, Manjunath Kamath obtained his Bachelor’s degree in sculpture from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts, Mysore, in 1994. He was also an artist-in-residence at the School of Art and Design of the University of Wales, Cardiff, in 2002. Kamath’s works have been featured in a number of solo exhibitions, the most recent ones including ‘108 Small Sories’ and ‘Something Happened’ at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, in 2007 and 2006 respectively; and ‘About Something’ at Sridharani Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 1996.

Kamath lives and works in Delhi.

(Profile by Saffronart)

Laxma Goud

Born in 1940 in Nizampur, Andhra Pradesh, K. Laxma Goud completed his diploma in Drawing and Painting from the Government School of Art and Architecture, Hyderabad, in 1963; he then went on to study Mural Painting and Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University, Baroda, from 1963 to 1965. Goud displays versatility over a range of mediums, from printmaking, drawing, watercolour, gouache and pastels to glass painting and sculpture in bronze and terracotta. Over the many years of his artistic career, he is known to have moved from one medium to another with élan. Fellow artist T. Vaikuntam, in one of his interviews, reminisces that it was Laxma Goud who introduced him to the art of sketching and made him aware of the possibilities of this medium.

When one looks at Goud’s work, rustic, raw, and potent might be the first words that come to mind. His portraits of men and women represent the dynamic Indian ethos rather than particular individual identities. A recurrent theme with the artist is that of the erotic, treated as an active and powerful aspect of male and female sexuality and existence. Goud’s work is dramatic; his protagonists are raw and vivacious in their appeal, imbibed with energy that reverberates through his strokes and textures. Most of Goud’s art is centered on the rural, recreating landscapes from his childhood as if they were frozen in time. In the artist’s later work, his figures turn softer, more introspective than brash in their outlook.

Recently, the artist has worked on a series of lush landscapes in vivid colors reminiscent of his youth spent in rural Andhra Pradesh. Like most of the artist’s work, these are generally executed in a miniature format, in what is perhaps an attempt to create an intimate atmosphere in which the viewer can engage directly with his creations.

In 2007, the exhibition, ‘Laxma Goud 40 Years: A Retrospective’ was organized by Aicon Gallery, New York. Other recent solo shows of Goud’s work include ‘Sculptures, Bronze and Terra-cottas’ at the Guild Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2006; ‘Recent Terracotta, Ceramic, Bronze Sculptures’ at Gallery Threshold, New Delhi, and Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2006; and those held at Aicon Gallery, New York, in 2003; and Grey Art Gallery, New York, in 2001-02. Some of the noted group shows in which his works have been features are ‘From the Vault’ at Aicon Gallery, London and New York, in 2007; ‘17th Anniversary Show’ at Gallery Sanskriti, Kolkata, in 2007; and ‘Back to the Future’ at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, in 2006. Goud’s work has also been a part of the São Paulo Biennale, Brazil, in 1977; and ‘Indian Art Tomorrow’ at the Philips Collection, Washington D.C., in 1986.

The artist lives and works in Hyderabad.

(Profile by Saffronart)

Viraj Naik

Although already proficient and established as a printmaker, Vasant Viraj Naik displays a natural flare for watercolours as well as acrylics. His works involve enchanting figures, which reflect his fascination with Greek mythology, and at the same time possess a distinct Goan feel – an influence of his strong roots.

Naik was born in Goa in 1975. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in painting from the Goa College of Art in 1998, and later, his Master’s degree from the University of Hyderabad in 2000. He has held several solo shows, the most recent ones being, hosted at Travancore Palace by Gallerie Nvya, New Delhi, in 2007; Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007; Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 2006; and Museum Gallery, Mumbai, in 2004. Some of the artist’s group shows include ‘The Scared’, presented by Galleria at Museum Gallery, Mumbai, in 2008; ‘Meandering Membranes’, presented by Empire Art and the Shrine Gallery, New Delhi, at The Taj Bengal, Kolkata, in 2007; ‘Reading Paint’, Gallery Soul Flower, Bangkok, in 2007; and ‘Inaugural Show’, at the Guild Gallery, New York, in 2006.

In 2001, Naik received the Young Artists Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, and, in 2005, won the Silver Medal at the Anvantika Awards, New Delhi.

Vasant Viraj Naik lives and works in Goa.

(Profile by Saffronart)

Rajeshwar Rao

A. Rajeshwara Rao’s paintings are about transition. Through his work, the artist reminds us in a quaint and humorous manner of the incredible influence popular media has on our culture. Rao depicts simple, everyday people and their many ambitions; he illustrates the psychological desires of the physical self. His compositions are magnificent, quirky and meticulous. The artist’s vibrant palette shares a strong dynamic with his intricate weave of lines and forms that it brings to life. Rao draws his observations of people and their stories, recording these experiences with photographic precision; however, ultimately choosing to depict them in a strange and make-believe world. Even though the artist has serious concerns about these issues, his representations of them are witty, dramatic and full of humour. His multi-faceted compositions instantly remind the viewer of their own dreams and fantasies. A. Rajeshwara Rao was born in 1960, in Vizaingaram. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at Andhra University, Waltair, in 1983 and his Master’s degree at Central University, Hyderabad, in 1990. Rao has participated in several solo and group shows, of which the most recent include those held at Gallery Espace, New Delhi, in 2008 and 2002; and ‘The Deccan Connections’ at Apparao Art Gallery, New Delhi, in 2002; ‘The Human Factor’ at the Guild Gallery, Mumbai, in 2001; and ‘Human Form and Art’ at Lalit Kala Akademi, in 2000.

(Profile by SaffronArt)

Sudarshan Gupta

Born 1972, he completed both his B.F.A & M.F.A. from the Sir J.J School of Art. He has been recipient of numerous accolades from discerning art institutions: 32nd Maharashtra State Art Exhibition, 1992, Art Society of India – 1992, Kala Gurzari Academy, 1992, Bombay Art Society, 1993, Bombay Art Society, 2006. Selected Group Exhibitions: “Group 93” at Nehru Centre, 1993, Bombay Art Society, 1995, Art Society Exhibition, 1997, Bombay Art Society, 2000, Lalit Kala Exhibition, 2004, Harmony Show, 2005, State Art Exhibition, 2006, Bombay Art Society, 2006, Lalit Kala Exhibition, 2006. He lives and works in Mumbai.