More often than not, artist Veguri Ravindra Babu’s paintings create an oxymoron with apparently contradictory visuals. And this element hits you hard when you see his works.
In his work titled ‘A scintilla of aurora’ - the artist juxtaposes two contradictory ideas posing the question if the child can really be happy about a row of factories, though far away, which pollute the air even if he is not conscious of it. But at the same time the factories cannot be deemed to deliberately snatch away the child’s freedom to live in an unpolluted atmosphere.
Such thought-provoking elements were steeped in each of his four works that were exhibited at the two-day art show organised by Aura Art eConnect at the recently concluded CII Partnership Summit at APIIC Grounds, Harbour Park. He was the first artist from the city to have got a platform to showcase his works at the summit, drawing much appreciation from the delegates from across the country.
Speaking to The Hindu , the artist said: “My paintings are the outcome of my life experiences and intrinsically charged with meaning. They reflect true images and scraps of our own world. There are shades of pain and intense aversion in my works but also the feel of beauty.”
Awaiting doctorate
The 34-year-old was born at Medarametla in Prakasam district. He pursued his BFA from Andhra University and MFA from Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, in 2008.
Presently, he has submitted his thesis in Andhra University and awaiting his doctorate in visual arts.
He has participated in several group exhibitions at prestigious venues and held solo shows across India.
According to Ravindra Babu, a platform like the Partnership Summit has brought in the focus on art, the business of art and the critical role of art in modern architecture. Rishiraj Sethi, Chief Director of Aura Art eConnect, said that the main purpose of bringing the art of a local artist to the Summit was to sensitise the AP government about art.
Ravindra Babu, whose works have seen good patronage from cities like Mumbai, felt that the west was more open to modern art than the North.
“The South market is slowly opening up to the idea of modern art now,” he added. One of his most cherished possession is a message of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu where he wrote for the artist: “I have always admired how his artwork enlivens visual poetry, blending tradition and modernity. It is commendable how his works reflect his personal experiences vis-à-vis contemporary social issues.”
