Artist Ravi Kattakuri’s works are on display in a solo exhibition at Hawa Mahal
Feminine energy dominates the canvases of artist Kattakuri Ravi’s latest collection. Fifteen of Ravi’s works have been displayed at Hawa Mahal in a three-day solo exhibition that began on Friday.
“My new works reflect the perceived qualities of goodness, tenderness, devotion and patience, as well as the beauty of a woman who surrounds body and soul,” says the Visakhapatnam-based artist. Known for his unique style of Madhubani art-influenced feminine faces, Ravi’s latest canvases do away with the heavy shades of whites seen in his earlier work.
Using acrylics on canvas, the artist has experimented with the use of bold shades, full of energy and striking contrast. The paintings are intricately detailed explosions of colour, symbols and motifs.
The works capture the essence of nature and countryside life. While one depicts a woman with innocent eyes full of wonder, the other depicts a feminine figure with a tigress, as the artist explains, “the power of a woman combined with the ferocity of a lioness”. He goes on to say, “Nature has a sense of mystery all around in its beauty and majesty. And that’s what attracts me.”
After graduating from the Department of Fine Arts at Andhra University, Ravi did his Masters in Fine Arts from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, where he was influenced by Madhubani paintings. Born in an agricultural family in Andhra Pradesh, Ravi’s childhood was spent in a forest environment, which the artist says left a deep impression on him. The vibrant colors of nature, the simplicity of rural life, the jovial moves of village women with shiny hair – all find a way in their work.
He adds, “My style is a reflection of the Indian culture, which has all the rich colors and perhaps this is what draws the eye.” Ravi’s work has been shown in exhibitions across India as well as in Japan, Greece, Switzerland, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Bangladesh. Some of the canvases from this collection will be displayed in May at Art Revolution Taipei, Taiwan, one of Asia’s leading art fairs.
The exhibition will run on February 13 from 11 am to 6 pm at Hawa Mahal.
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