VASUUDEV S G

Born in Mysore in 1941. Vasudev graduated from the Government School of Arts, Madras in 1968. Vasudev was one of the founder members of the Cholamandal Artists Village, Madras and its community of artists, dancers, thinkers, dramatist and writers in the 1960s played an important role in the shaping of his art. Rananujam's poems were a source of inspiration. He has participated in several group shows and International exhibitions such as the Paris Biennale 1986and the Cuba Biennale 1986. He has had several solo shows in India and his International solo shows have been held in USA, Germany and Canada. Vasudev is also the recipient of several awards. Vasudev's strength is in his line. He works in a variety of medium including copper relief. Though the line is ornamental, it fleshes out his figures and makes them one with their environment in his paintings. His 'Vriksha' series or 'Tree of Life' is legendary with its swirls of paint and strong lines invoking life itself. On this website we have one of the earliest paintings (painted in 1972) from the Maithuna Series where the ideas evolve into a deeper understanding of love and life. Manju Pillai, the noted art critic has this to say about Vasudev’s Maithuna. It’s the coming together of man and woman, the melding of the earth and sky, the merging of the soul and body, in which the concept of union is more philosophical than worldly.

It extrapolates to the realm of the spirit and the view of the world that is essentially unified and harmonious, despite its apparent diversity. Vasudev’s Achala done at the height of his career in 1989 is a forerunner to his Earthscapes Series. Done literally in earth tones, he draws the viewer closer to his dearly-held world view where man and woman, the tree of life and nature in all its detailed splendor are in perfect harmony. Vasudev is first and foremost a great draughtsman. Even in his paintings, the line seems be be gouged out. His penchant for drawing is well documented. Playfully the line meanders till it transforms the subject into a deeper understanding of love and life. Vasudev lives in Bangalore and works out of Bangalore and Chennai.