Into the heart of folk art

Bharath Bhushan's art exhibition was a fulfilling representation of the State's traditions that are in dire need of a revival

Some works of Bharath Bhushan in his gallery

Works of Warangal-born photographer cum artist Bharath Bhushan on tribal art, displayed recently at the ICCR Gallery, Ravindra Bharathi, are a fitting representation of the roots of the state's rich culture and the nurturing that has happened over the decades.

A series of 72 ink drawings done between 2009 and 2012, mirrored traditions, rare professions and portraits of the gods and goddesses unique to the soil.

“Most of the works in this exhibition were fond remembrances of my childhood.

I was a witness to some of them, during my career as a photojournalist,” the artist remarks

As expected, works surrounding tribal and folk art made full use of the scope that professions of haridasulu, pagati veshagallu, pothuraju provide.

In fact, the heart of the art exhibition was the authenticity the artist lent to typically rural sights like that of

Pandem kodi and an interesting piece of art on

Tupaki Ramudu .

The exclusivity of many such works was showcased when drawings on Balasantodu, Pampalodu and Peddammalollu surfaced.

The finesse was visible, yes, but, the credibility of the work and the artist lay equally in ensuring the local flavour, in the simplicity of the outcome.

Given the 9x12 dimension, there’s utmost detailing, especially in the diversity of the series Bharath Bhushan has dedicated to the likes of Chindu Bhagavatam and Totem art, nearing 40 in number.

There was a specific reason behind the focus, the artist says. “During my childhood, when I was seeing the promotion of Kathakali or Theyyam as a dance form for Kerala, I was wondering, why couldn't something like Chindu Bhagavatam work for our part of the region," he says.

He has a lot to say about totem art, a way of representing and worshipping God through carvings on many materials, mostly stone, in tribal areas. Equally impressive was the work on Chakka bommalu and Tolu bommalata , the way artistes make and use them for plays.

There were a bunch of portraits of mythological figures tooincluding Shiva, Matangi and Jambavanta.Of these , the interpretations he gave on the appearance of the Tataki were quite striking.