An artist par excellence, Surya Prakash has been hailed as one of the leading contemporary painters of the Indian art circuit. The globally acclaimed artist was born in Madhira, Telangana and pursued his graduation from the Hyderabad College of Arts in 1960. He defined the contours of modern Indian art and expression while celebrating nature, and with his untimely demise, the art fraternity has lost one of its gems. We spoke to artists and art connoisseurs close to the artist extraordinaire about what he meant to them.
He was Dedicated to art for life
— Dr Avani Rao Gandra, founder, ICONART gallery
I first met Surya Prakash ji as a research scholar about 15 years ago. Back then, I was a novice in modern art and not very familiar with the art community. He came across as a generous, thorough gentleman, first in the support and encouragement that he extended towards my research and later, as a writer and artist. The details of his professional and personal life were grounded in self-discipline and strong work ethics. I watched the pain and excitement in his process of evolving a new series, and the use of new mediums and renderings. He was an open book in his artistic explorations — one can sense the reflections of his intense experiences and changing philosophy symbolically abstracted in the waves, dried leaves, and spring fresh pointillist landscapes — totally dedicated to art as an expression of life.
More of a friend than a professor
— Fawad Tamkanat, artist
I have known Surya Prakash ji for over 40 years now. I’ve not only been a dedicated follower but have also had the privilege of working with him a few times. He treated everybody with respect. He has helped many young artists by allowing them to display their artworks in his gallery or art camps. He was my professor for six months through my post graduation at Central University. He’d sit beside us, share tea with us, and talk to us about his works. However, he never meddled in our style or perception of art. He was more of a friend than a professor.
The most charming person
— Narendra Paruchuri, director of Pragati Offset
We were very blessed to be associated with Surya Prakash ji and his works. As printers, we were the ones he would appoint to print his books, so we’ve shared a fairly long relationship. The sudden news of his demise is very shocking. I can’t come to terms with the loss. We spoke two days ago, and now he’s gone. I will certainly remember Surya ji as the most charming person I’ve ever known.
Lost an iconic artist|
— Rekha Lahoti, CEO Kalakriti Art Gallery
Surya Prakash saab was an amazing artist and a lovely person. Our association with him goes back from the day we started the Kalakriti Art Gallery, 17 years ago. We met him at his studio just a day before. He talked about the new project he was working on. He was very keen to do his next retrospective in Delhi, a mural at the LV Eye Hospital and had many more ideas and thoughts. We have lost an iconic artist of the Indian art world — who was never afraid of experimenting on different mediums. A thorough gentleman and a mentor to so many young artists.
