Artist S. Potrarasan captures the city’s rain-drenched and mellow side on his canvas
Potrarasan, artist and ceramist
Somber gray clouds, muted tones, and the soft blues of dusk on a rainy day — artist S. Potrarasan captured the city’s monsoon moods perfectly. Madras — A Reflection, his latest exhibition of watercolours, leaves the viewer with a feeling of wistfulness, of longing for those rare rainy days. The artist says that he is inspired by the monsoon showers that wash the city, leaving behind a burst of colours. He likes to paint familiar landmarks with a romantic glow. Dwelling further on this, Potrarasan said, “Chennai is known for its hot weather. So, I wanted to show a different side to the city. When it rains, the city turns mellow. This series shows Chennai in a positive and romantic light.”
The artist said he enjoys discovering the city on rainy days. “I love the rainy season here. It inspires me. I have fond memories of walking around the Egmore Railway Station on a rainy day with an umbrella. I also like exploring the temples in Triplicane and Mylapore. My memories of Chennai are closely linked to the rains,” he mused.
This exhibition is a part of the Madras Day celebrations and will open from August 22 at the Forum Art Gallery. The city, said Potrarasan, is his muse. “Chennai is a space where everybody gets inspired. I am not from Chennai. I am from Arakkonam and my wife is from here. Chennai is a place where you can find anything — from fun to inspiration. That is why I decided to show the dreamy side of Chennai,” said this artist.
Potrarasan, who is also a ceramist, heads Dakshina Chitra’s Ceramic Centre. Potrarasan’s journey into art was quite unexpected. “I come from a farming family in Arakkonam. I used to watch a popular signboard artist called Saravanan at work. I was fascinated. Then, I enrolled myself at the Government College of Fine Arts here,” he said.
Beyond the canvas, Potrarasan said he enjoyed watching films. “Apart from films, my wife and I enjoy travelling. We take off for a month or two and explore the country. I enjoy exploring our villages. I also write stories in Tamil,” he revealed.
Despite his love for the city, Potrarasan feels that the art scene still has a long way to go. “There is not enough space to showcase the talent that is here. Only masala art sells here. I hope this changes,” he said.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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