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Different strokes

Life around provides inspiration for Thirunavukkarasu and Kirubanandham whose works are on show at Lalit Kala Akademi

PICTURE OF GRACE A work by Thirunavukkarasu

The graceful movements of a dancer have inspired many an artist to depict them in their drawings and paintings. Similarly, the colourful plumes of birds and their flight or cockfights have found representation in the works of several artists.

These two themes find expression in the creations of Thirunavukkarasu and Kirubanandham, and can be seen at an exhibition at the Lalit Kala Akademi.

The acrylic paintings and pen and ink drawings of Kirubanandham reveal his observation of birds, either walking around quietly or fighting. Growing up in the rural areas near Kumbakonam gave him the opportunity to observe the birds closely. The red, maroon and golden yellow with shades of blue and black in the feathers of the bird come alive in the bold strokes of the brush and the knife. In a couple of works depicting a cock fight, the vibrant hues lend an abstract quality to the birds, and one can almost feel the fierceness of the fight.

Well portrayed

The other elements like the hay on the floor and the dusty ground are also convincingly rendered. Where the artist shows the bird inside a shed, the effect of the light streaming in is portrayed well.

In the pen and ink drawings, most of which show only the cock fight, short, fine staccato strokes of the pen portray the jumping and twirling movements of the birds in an impressive manner. The style reveals the patient effort of Kirubanandham.

Thirunavukkarasu has captured various poses of a Bharatanatyam dancer in his paintings. While watching a performance, it is not easy for a viewer to recall the exact postures. To obtain a perfect pose, the artist has made use of a CD. He has concentrated on the position of the body and the limbs; there is no attempt at photographic realism and the facial features are indicated vaguely.

Quick, broad strokes of the brush help portray the adavus, which change fast, quite competently. While he has used the brush for acrylics on canvas, for those on paper, he has used a knife to apply the colours. The costumes enable him to use rich hues.

The artists, who often go in for an impasto technique, are graduates of the College of Arts and Crafts, Kumbakonam.

The show is on till December 11, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

LAKSHMI VENKATRAMAN

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