Confident brushstrokes, bright colours, sepia skin-tones and life-like angles and props embellish M. Narayan's works with meaning. His latest collection being showcased at Taj Deccan is a perfect blend of thought, colour and inspiration. Through a wide array of the paintings, M. Narayan's works harp on three particular themes— Mother Teresa, Ethnic and Horses.
Narayan's ethnic works are psychedelically bright. Stretched across the canvas is a plethora of colours. However, what is most striking is the attention given to details— typical village carry-bags with vertical stripes, red and green bangles and the traditional style of draping the sari. Narayan says that he had always been inspired by village-folk and their ways of life. He adds that there is a sense of charm in living a simple life. “They do not follow style and fashion, they just wear whatever they feel like. Orange and red can be a combination and so can be maroon and brown. Their simple life and desires make them stand out” he says. His mix media on canvas, an untitled illustration of the village market evokes the hustle and bustle of vendors, hawkers and customers capturing the joie de vivre in the setting. Another piece in colour is a brush-stroke heavy representation of women gossiping. An intense piece, it has flushes of pink and orange bringing life to imagination.
Narayan's charcoal on paper stands out with angular horses riding across, confident and aggressive. On first look, these look like M.F. Husain's horse paintings, but the resemblance just there— a horse as a subject. Narayan's horses are of the regal sport of polo with angular yet curvaceous horses being ridden by sturdy men. “A horse is a symbol of strength, vigour and valour,” he says.
Narayan has also done a few paintings on Mother Teresa, all thanks to the numerous books and stories he has read on her, which moved and inspired him, he says.
The paintings are being exhibited at Taj Deccan till October 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more details log on to narayanindia.com
