Our memories first remember characters and then stories through these characters.
And so in Bolgum Nagesh Goud’s series of solo works (“Kahaani- Part 2”), it is the faces that first catch the viewer’s eye.
Painted using strong, bold lines and strokes, with sharp features and a wry smile, each of these characters represents a story from Indian mythology.
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These tales, of the avtar’s of Vishnu, of the heroics of Rama, or stories from the Mahabharata, are intricately captured in black and white ink.
“My paintings are based on experimental studies of ancient stories. Since childhood, I have been inspired by Indian mythology and I love working with mixed media.” Nagesh says he picks simple stories from the epics, such as the Kishkintha episode, the Ashokavana episode or the turning point when Ravana’s uncle appears as the golden deer that tempts Sita.
“Krishna and Arjuna and the Pandavas are my favourite characters in the Mahabharata, I stand for the human values that they represent.” Also nature, explains Nagesh is an important element in his works, as he shows in his pen and ink tales.
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But he alludes more directly to nature in paintings such as the “My Lost World” and “My Beautiful Word”, recreating the imagery of a dense forest in pen and ink with gentle shades of colour that lend an almost supernatural glow.
He also paints animal forms, sometimes using layers to create a 2-D effect on digital prints.
The exhibition also features a series of paintings on bulls, that are based on a similar theme as his mythological series, where there is imagery within imagery.
Nagesh celebrates the mighty form of the bull at the same time using intricate motifs from nature as well as simple design within the form of the bull to create lyrical effect.
“I hope to express human value of love as well as promote the message of conservation, of nature and the environment through my works,” adds Nagesh.
“Kahaani-Part 2” will be on view at ITC Windsor Manor until September 5. For details, contact 32712348.