An artist’s impressions

Artist Hari Srinivas’s elaborate discourses in colour tell us what it means to be human. We visited his ongoing exhibition and here’s what we found

Faustina Johnson

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Not one who enjoys the glassed claustrophobia of luxury hotels, I hardly knew what to expect as I drove to an art exhibition at one such venue. Stepping in through the foyer of Taj Deccan, I was greeted by a visual experience that immediately made me glad. Artist Hari Srinivas unveiled Vermillion Reds, his latest installment in his colourful career, on May 21, to a star studded audience.

The exhibition, a charity show in support of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute featured some of the artist’s best work. Light and shadow play was extensively explored in many of the paintings. Although there was a blending of different styles, what stood out is the emotion in every piece. The highlight of the exhibition was an artful frolic with light and illusion, with delicately tapered tree branches coming together to form a woman’s visage. While there was no central motif, women were a recurring theme.

Also on display was a separate series of glass paintings, bursting with the artist’s signature vivid imagery. Light and crafty, these pieces mainly feature flora amidst fairytale settings with subtle rustic touches.

Inspired by scenes from daily life, the paintings deal with a wide variety of subjects, from religion to sport. At a time when the contemporary scene is saturated with references to Indian culture, Hari’s work is a refreshing change. Each of the paintings witnesses the robust union of European and Indian techniques.

Two of the exhibits were exclusively produced for the cause. The first of these is titled ‘Mother And Child’, Anita, his wife, tells me, was his most challenging piece. “He placed particular emphasis on the shading in that piece. He worked on it for a long time.” The sombre depiction of care and family comes alive. The second, ‘Woman in Linen’, is a compelling personification of emotion. The contrast of the woman’s olive skin against the textured white of the sheets stands out among all the exhibits. The minimalistic use of colour captures the angst and desolation of a cancer patient effectively. This is Hari’s 22nd solo exhibition.

An artist with a natural inclination to aesthetics, he was given his first colour kit at the age of four. He excels in a range of schools including abstracts, landscapes and figurative. Sincere and modest, Anita takes care of the promotion and publicity. Together, the couple make a dynamic pair.”I offer

critiques on all of his pieces as he works on them,” she says, “But he prefers his solitude while he paints.”

Tags: Artist, exhibition, Fautsina Johnson, Hari Srinivas

Category: Art & Design