Subra 2008’ a solo exhibition of recent mixed media paintings by G Subramanian is being held at the Kynkyny Art Gallery. The present inspiration for Subramanian’s work in his own words is “the innocence and divine beauty on a child’s face and the power of Indian mythology.” 

Subramanian is a painter and collage artist who graduated with a first rank in Fine Arts from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu in 1974.

With his portrayal of child-like Buddha, Krishna and Hanuman, he seeks to spark a sense of joy in his audience.

Jamini Roy and KCS Panicker are two Indian masters who inspire him. He also explains, “my father was into folk theatre. I used to act and sing and travel a lot with his troupe. The costumes and masks influenced my art a great deal.”

He uses the medium of collage and layers it along with acrylic paint and ink washes in brilliant hues to create mixed media works. Subra, as he is fondly known, has received numerous honours and prizes, both in Saudi Arabia where he lived for many years, and here in India as well.

Some of them are the Saudi third, fourth and sixth Malwan GCC Countries Biennale Award and the prestigious AIFACS award in 2000.

He has held eight one-man shows and participated in many exhibitions at the State and National levels, several group shows, and also auctions for charity.

His works can be seen in the collections all over the world, both private as well as in galleries and museums and corporate ownership. The expo is on till Jan 26.