Strokes against the flow

May 06, 2010 08:38 pm | Updated 08:38 pm IST

Mohanmurli Talak

Mohanmurli Talak

Driven by the multifaceted and intricate human emotions, Mohanmurli Talak is an abstract painter who has been arduously trying to capture the human emotion on the canvas.

“Crises of human mind” has remained a pivotal subject in his paintings. The extensive use of light colours which is palpable in his works, Talak has carved a distinct niche for himself in the domain of abstract painting.

Being a native of Chitradurga, the 52-year-old self-made painter has largely remained as an unsung artist for the people of his native district.

Having exhibited his works in the prestigious art galleries including Y. B. Chavan Art Gallery, Mumbai, Lakshana Art Gallery, Chennai, and Chitrakala Parishat Bangalore, Talak has never undergone any formal course in visual art. It was his immense passion for painting that made him learn the intricacies of abstract painting.

Talak uses simple, but varied textures to create his work. He meticulously makes efforts to ensure that his work has a soothing effect on the viewers. “Many people don't even understand the concept of abstract art, however my prime objective is to make people at least change their mood by glancing at my work,” he says.

Profoundly inspired by the paintings of the classical painter Raja Ravi Varma who lived between 1848 and 1906, Talak emphatically believes that a painter can contribute towards social change.

In the field of art for over 15 years, Talak says that he never had an idea that one day he would become a professional artist. Working as an accountant in a private firm in Chitradurga, he says that the biggest challenge for him was to quit his job to take up painting as a fulltime career.

“It was not easy task to convince my wife of quitting a well-paid job, especially when I had an additional responsibility of a young son. Yet, I had a strong conviction for art that made me to go against all odds to prove myself,” he said.

“I try to make that has an intimate feel, but also not look vulgar. You can portray nudity without being cheap,” he explains, about an entire series that he has done for one's private space.

Talak, who has also created innumerable pen-drawings of historical monuments of Chitradurga, says that a painter through his works could help the place become popular among the tourists.

Veerendra Heggade, the chief of Dharmasthala temple is also someone who appreciates his work. According to Talak, several of his works have made place in the Heggade's institutions.

Talak feels that the painting exhibitions are gradually shifting their domain from galleries to internet. He has decided to develop his website and upload his paintings on internet for online exhibition and auctioning.

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