Minimalism is least used while re-telling mythology. We’ve been privy to meticulous, intricate and large paintings depicting episodes from mythology. Parameshwar Raju approaches the story of Krishna will a minimalist touch, making his work refreshing. Ten images of Krishna’s life come to the fore through his calligraphy at the ongoing Krishna Leela exhibition.
He chooses different stages of Krishna’s life. Baby Krishna being taken on a basket across river Yamuna, Krishna with Yashoda, gopikas and Radha, Krishna taking on one demon after the other commissioned to eliminate him by Kamsa and ultimately slaying Kamsa are all narrated with simple sketches.
The strokes are fluid and dynamic. The artist uses thick strokes to indicate Krishna’s broad shoulders and tapers it down with a sense of rhythm according to the theme. It’s this fluidity that helps the artist draw a young Krishna bent over a pot of butter in a single stroke. An uncluttered work outlines Yashoda with young Krishna. Minimalism is again at its best while depicting the slaying of Kamsa.
For a few episodes, Parameshwar Raju relaxes his minimalism to include more elements. Krishna with gopikas and Radha beside a tree, deliverance of the curse of twin asuras Nalakuvara and Manigriva, fiery strokes representing Kalia and Krishna playing the flute are a few examples.
To show Krishna being carried away by the tornado Trinivarta, the artist uses thick strokes that gradually taper at the bottom indicating a whirlwind of activity.
What: Krishna Leela through calligraphy
Where: Truffles Café, Road no. 10, Jubilee Hills
When: Till December 14.
