K. GSubramanyan’s life is an effigy of humility,flair,multitaskingandknowledge
sharing, who has left a legacy of artand its narrative, that would continue to
influence and enlighten a generation and many generations to come. Being born
in an era of Gandhi, he had witnessed the struggles of pre and post-independent
India, which are vividly narrated in his artworks. His art also reflects Indian
folklores and Hindu deities, often projected as ordinary beings in his
canvases.When his participation in freedom struggle barred him from continuing
his studies in Presidency College, Madras back in 1944; he chanced upon an
opportunity to study art in Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan under the tutelage of
Nandalal Bose and RamkinkerBaij. He later went to study Printmaking in Slade
School of Art, London under the guidance of famous English artist Ben Nicholson,
after receiving a British Council Fellowship. In 1958 he became the deputy
director of Handloom Board in Mumbai. He also served as a professor and Dean in
M S University, Barodainfluencing many budding artists. Being a versatile
artist, he could work with many medium and material including acrylic, crayon,
pencil, ball point pen, marker, water colours, oils, plastic, terracotta,
lithography, etching, textilesor even reverse painting on glass and acrylic. He
received country’s highest civilian awards,Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan andPadma
Vibhushan for his contributions towards Indian art by Government of India and aKalidasSamman from Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.
