Playing with light and shade

There are some paintings that can literally draw you to them, and Santhosh Andrade is one such painter, who has his viewers spellbound with his splendid art. This artist who cleverly plays with light and shade to create depth has brought the famous Madhubani painting style of Bihar to South India by blending the Tulunadu culture in this art form.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Andrade said that he was always interested in different art forms such as music, dance and painting as a kid and had great interest in learning each of these art forms. I had to choose one art form due to financial constraints. Hence, I chose painting, says Andrade and adds that he mainly learnt the art to get a job in advertising and never thought that he would be a professional artist.

However, when Andrade sent one of his paintings for a competition he won a prize and that motivated him to take art as a profession.  I learnt that with art, you can also earn your bread as well as name, he says.

Most of his paintings are either acrylic or oil on canvas and he is famous for his colour schemes, composition and fine details. Whenever I do a painting, I visualise the entire concept in my mind, he says. Most of his paintings have doors and windows, to which he replies that a window always opens to a perspective and is also important in maintaining a balance in the painting.

Almost all of his paintings have a touch of Madhubani portraying the important elements of Tulunadu. I am fascinated with folk culture, common people and I love having them in my paintings, he says and adds that South Indian architecture also plays an important role in his art.

Some of the artists paintings show people as seen through a film reel (negative images). I wanted to show how the unconscious mind works, where we have some wonderful memories but the details are vague. Most of these are influenced from my childhood memories, he says.

Today, one of Indias renowned artist winning several national awards and having his collections displayed at art galleries in London, USA, Sweden, France, Washington, Kolkata, Jodhpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and many other places, Andrade still remembers his humble beginnings, his poverty and hence depicts the common mans life beautifully.

Art expo

Santhosh Andrades solo art exhibition Inspirations was inaugurated at Prasad art gallery on Monday by Urwa Church Parish Priest Rev Fr Victor DMello who appreciated  the fine details the artist has portrayed in his paintings.

Santhoshs paintings are a visual treat. They should inspire every Mangalorean to take time out from their daily schedule to appreciate art, said Veteran Paediatrician Dr Errol Pinto.

One can not teach art. It comes from within. An art teacher only guides the artist and may point out mistakes. However, if an artist is taught art it may affect his original creativity, said Mahalasa School of Art HoD N S Pattar.

Appreciating the paintings of the artist, he said that Madhubani art is a folk art and it comes from the heart. Andrades paintings depict moral values and culture, he says.

Many have a wrong belief that one cannot achieve things with art. However, creativity will always shine, says Santhosh.The painting expo Inspirations will be open for public till July 27 at Prasad Art Gallery. Andrade is also invited to New Delhi by Apparao art gallery (Chennai) to hold a solo art expo on August 11.