The world of pastoral beauty speaks of a deep bond between man and nature - of a dialogue between man’s inherent innocence and nature’s mysticism. Bathed in hues of yellows, greens, browns and blues, self-taught artist A. Gunavathi captures this pure connect between man and nature in a series of landscape artworks at her first solo exhibition at Visakha Museum. With colours and brush strokes, the artist evokes a vision of the pristine earthly paradise through her works.
Bonding with nature
Gunavathi’s artistic journey began more than a decade ago when she picked up the brush for the first time. “Nature means life for me. My bonding with nature goes back to my childhood days in the villages in Andhra Pradesh which was a huge contrast to the life we live in the concrete jungle in cities today. Art, I felt, was the best way to express my connection with nature and my impressions of the natural landscapes,” says the artist.
Living in Mumbai for five years where she pined to go back to her roots in the villages pushed her further towards landscape art. Her association with the Mumbai Art Society opened up a platform where she could explore the medium through watercolours and oil paintings. “Mumbai has a rich art culture. There are regular art camps that are held. I understood the medium and discovered many techniques by simply participating in the live demonstrations given by accomplished artists at art camps there,” says Gunavathi, who moved to Visakhapatnam five years ago.
Through her exhibited works at the museum, the artist has gone on a colourful odyssey in showcasing natural landscapes in and around the city. You will find the familiar green valleys of Araku, fishermen patiently looking out at the sea on their boats at colonies like Mangamaripeta or the rustic charm of the ancient township of Bhimli – reflected in watercolour works through the eyes of the artist. While majority of her artworks are in watercolour, around 10 of her works are done in oil or acrylic on canvas. Reiterating the views of many city-based artists, Gunavathi says, “Despite being a rich hub of artistic talent, the city lacks a thriving art culture. This needs to be addressed by creating a common art gallery where regular workshops and art camps are held.” The exhibition is on till Sunday at Visakha Museum.
Despite being a rich hub of artistic talent, the city lacks a thriving art culture. This needs to be addressed
Gunavathi
Artist
