Ramanujan's verse, Vasudev's strokes converse

Art and poetry have always had a lovely intimate relationship. This relationship has been celebrated aptly by the art show at Galerie De Arts.

A poetic and aesthetic narrative transcends into a beautiful story. As July 13 2016 marked the anniversary of the great poet AK Ramanujan, the art show by noted painter SG Vasudev and a friend of AK Ramanujan aims to pay a tribute to him and his works with an exhibition of 25 drawings depicting the poems of Ramanujan.

Poetry is a powerful medium across generations and is a force to reckon with. When an equally powerful expression such as Art integrates with Poetry, creativity knows no bounds.

Ramanujan has always had a great influence in the life of Vasudev. When the two of them met, Ramanujan  expressed his desire that his poems be illustrated by Vasudev someday.

Destiny, however planned otherwise. Post the unforeseen passing away of the great poet, Vasudev relentlessly continued his works based on Ramanujan’s poetry. Every artwork  on display resembles a poem in itself. Every artwork is followed up by few beautiful verses and poems by Ramanujan.

Recalling his old memories with Ramanujan and getting a little nostalgic SG Vasudev says, “It was way back in the 60s that I met this immensely talented, walking encyclopedia Ramanujan who was introduced to me by my friend Girish Karnad in Chennai.

As soon as we met, we had an instant connect thanks to our Kannada backgrounds and then he asked me if I could design the cover for his book of poems. That’s where I read his poems and got inspired by his vast artistry. A lot of my series of paintings, apart from this, have been inspired by his stories like the Tree of Life series as well.

Unfortunately, Ramanujan’s demise came a little early in 1993 but SG Vasudev continued with his body of work by doing several drawings juxtaposing them with his poems and he had the first exhibition of the series back in 1993 in Bengaluru, then the show went on to Chicago USA.

All the works in the show elucidate deft lines, stunning narratives and it makes for a totally poetic experience. Works like the self-portrait which shows multiple personalities and To Be Safe in Love, where the poet explains how courting a mermaid is a romantic illusion, depicted with such stoic poise by the artist, all are worth an experience altogether which every art lover must experience. The gallery has made a bold and good decision to reopen the show of the series of nearly two decades.

The show is on at Gallerie De Arts till August 6. 

— The writer is an art curator and art expert.