Spears and fireballs come charging and characters almost pop out to touch you. Three-dimensional pictures have always held an element of excitement and surprise. It was this very fascination that propelled artist N. Muthukrishnan to learn the nuances of 3-D art.
“I used to be thrilled watching 3D movies. Particularly ‘My Dear Kuttichathan’ motivated me to try out the same effect in painting. My artworks are different from other 3D paintings as extra gadgets like specially designed spectacles are not required to see them. Only the stare has to be fixed to get the 3-D effect,” he explains.
An extensive research of three years helped him shape his skills and devise a field where the new technique could be applied. As an accomplished artist, he easily fathomed techniques. Opportunity came by when a popular Tamil magazine invited entries for 3D paintings. He got noticed. This led to his exhibitions in Sivaganga and Madurai which were well received.
He owes his penchant for paintings to his father Nagalingam, an elementary schoolteacher, adept in pencil drawings. “Drawing inspiration from him, I started scribbling on papers and was delighted each time to see a picture evolve.
My father did not teach me techniques, I learnt them on my own and perfected the art gradually,” he narrates.
Muthukrishnan’s acquaintance with film actor Rajesh proved fruitful. Not only was his talent acknowledged but he also was introduced to popular film designer Ubald. But fairly early, he felt tinsel town was not his place and returned to Sivaganga to start a career as commercial artist.
His conviction and determination to succeed never allowed him to stay idle. He visited a lot of temples in and around Sivaganga. “It was a turning point in my life. Herbal paintings in Pillaiyarpatti and Thirukoshtiyur temples with their 3-D effect, thrilled me. They looked so real and rekindled my passion for 3D pictures and I set out to be different,” says the 53-year-old painter.
Muthukrishnan uses computer and Corel draw software to paint 3D pictures. The final picture gives an embossed effect. “Though it is difficult to see through the background picture to identify hidden image, it is a good exercise for the eyes.”
Besides painting, he also runs “Anuvai Thulaithu Ezhu Kadalai Puhati’ a monthly Tamil magazine and has been distributing free postcards carrying general information for past two decades.
Every year he comes out with different calendars. His 2004 calendar was on just half an inch sheet with Tirukkurals. He distributed free magnifying glass for easy reading.
His next venture is a 3D line drawing of a horse. “It will create an illusion as if the horse starts running when you touch,” he shares.
