The common man earns his space on canvas

We have seen photographers and filmmakers capturing human life and its endless sorrows. And now, a painter, Siva Kesava Rao has captured the problems of the poor and the middle class in a developing nation like India, on his canvas. In his exhibition ‘Demo-Cry’, which will go on till March 1, the painter has also in a most evocative manner encapsulated the horrific Muzaffarnagar riots.

The exhibition depicts the common man as the ultimate sufferer. The paintings based on this unusual topic also highlights the capricious  ‘netas’ and their scams, the inflexible ‘babus’ and ‘babudom’, and his own troubled life. The artist through the medium of oil on canvas, charcoal and dry pastels on paper, has created artworks that resonate the apathy towards the common man and his concerns.

“My works have always been based on social unrest in society, various social issues and have social content in them. In this exhibition also, I have tried to show how people are crying for justice and being a democracy, India is not able to help them. I have also shown the evolution and revolution of the society,” said Siva.

Of the 40 paintings, most of which are in black and white, the highlight of the exhibition are the paintings on the Muzaffarnagar riots. Although the painter didn’t visit the place personally, the news reports and information given by the media was enough to help spur his imagination.

Siva has mastered the techniques of print-making, charcoal on paper, oil on canvas and natural dyes on fabric. Versatile in his approach and use of medium, this show is unique in terms of use of skill, colour and technique. The best part about this painter is that he draws his inspiration from his immediate environment which also helps people to develop a connect with his paintings.