Unveiling the Palette: Bangalore-Based Artists to Watch Out For

In the vibrant city of Bangalore, where creativity flourishes and innovation is celebrated, a plethora of talented artists are making waves in the art scene. As art enthusiasts and collectors seek new and exciting pieces, it's essential to shine a spotlight on some of the city's noteworthy talents. In this blog, we'll explore the works of five exceptional artists—G Subramanian, Praveen Kumar, Vimal Nathan, Gurudas Shenoy, and Sri Vidya. Their diverse styles and unique approaches to art contribute to the rich tapestry of Bangalore's artistic landscape.

G Subramanian: The Collage Maestro

In a world dominated by conventional painting mediums, G Subramanian stands out as a pioneer in the art of collage. Hailing from the coastal village of Thandavankulam in Tamil Nadu, Subramanian's early exposure to the world of art and drama through his father's work as a stage artist laid the foundation for his artistic journey. His unique approach involves blending traditional acrylics with modern collages to create spellbinding art on canvas.

Subramanian's collages breathe life into Indian mythological characters by using hand-torn magazine photos to fill simple silhouettes. From the skyline of a foreign city becoming the skirt of a young girl to a colony of fish transforming into Radha and Krishna's embellishments, his work is a celebration of creativity and imagination. Subramanian has received numerous national and international art awards, showcasing his prowess in the art world.

Driven by personal experiences, Subramanian's 'She series,' dedicated to young girls, holds a special place in his heart. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident through his involvement in teaching children how to draw and paint. As he ventures into new artistic territories, including sculpture, Subramanian continues to leave an indelible mark on the art scene.

Praveen Kumar: The Rising Star of Abstract Cityscapes

Born in Mangalore, Praveen Kumar has emerged as a rising star in the Indian contemporary art scene. His distinct style revolves around abstract cityscapes that are meditative and composed of enigmatic architectural forms. With a background in Fine Arts from DMS, Mysore, and a Masters in Visual Arts from Jain University, Bangalore, Kumar's work has garnered attention for its unique blend of mediums.

Kumar's cityscapes, created using oil, acrylics, pen and ink, and charcoal, depict urban landscapes in geometric configurations. Cities, with their chaos and chatter, serve as metaphors for the human condition in Kumar's art. Recognized with awards such as the Leela Puraskar Indore (2014) and the Lalit Kala Akademi, Karnataka State Award (2008), Kumar's solo shows and group exhibitions both in India and abroad showcase his growing influence in the contemporary art scene.

Vimal Nathan: Bridging Analog and Digital Realms

Vimal Nathan, a distinguished artist and academic, earned a Gold Medal in Visual Arts from Bangalore University in 2009 and received local acclaim with a top winner medal from Lalit Kala Academy Karnataka in 2014. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he was honored as a National Award Winner by the Central Lalit Kala Academy for his exceptional contributions to national visual arts. Before diving into the art world, Nathan had a successful six-year stint in design at RAK Ceramics in the UAE. He remains an active board member of Chitra Kala Parishath in Bengaluru, contributing through workshops and art camps, showcasing his dedication and passion for the arts. Nathan's journey is a testament to his multifaceted talents, making him a respected figure in the realm of visual arts and aesthetics.

Gurudas Shenoy: Muralist Extraordinaire

A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Baroda, Gurudas Shenoy has left an indelible mark on the art world for over two decades. Born in Karnataka, Shenoy's solo shows at prestigious galleries, including the Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, and participation in various art exhibitions in India and abroad, highlight his influential presence.

As a leading muralist in the country, Shenoy has over a hundred murals to his credit, adorning landmark buildings like Bharat Electronics, Intel, Himalaya Drug Company, and Indian Oil Corporation. His contributions extend beyond his artistry, as he has also served as the curator for Husain Sankalana in Bangalore since 1990. Awards such as the Husain-Bendre Award by the Bombay Art Society underscore Shenoy's significant influence in the art community.

Sri Vidya: Mastering the Art of Watercolour

Completing our exploration of Bangalore's artistic gems is Sri Vidya, a Fine Arts graduate from CAVA, Mysore, with a Master from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. Sri Vidya's mastery lies in working with watercolours, a notoriously challenging medium to handle. Her colourful works, characterized by pastel shades, display an abstract quality that brings the canvas alive with a strong emphasis on design and aesthetics.

In Conclusion, Bangalore's art scene is undoubtedly a treasure trove of talent, with artists like G Subramanian, Praveen Kumar, Vimal Nathan, Gurudas Shenoy, and Sri Vidya leading the way. As the city's art enthusiasts and collectors seek new pieces to adorn their spaces, these artists offer a diverse range of styles and mediums to explore. From the mesmerizing collages of G Subramanian to Praveen Kumar's abstract cityscapes, Vimal Nathan's fusion of analogue and digital, Gurudas Shenoy's monumental murals, to Sri Vidya's mastery of watercolors, each artist contributes to the vibrant and ever-evolving artistic tapestry of Bangalore.