Skip to main content

K.G. Subramanyan

Image may contain: indoor
K.G. Subramanyan is among the few artists who have explored the possibilities of modern art from a different perspective, giving new dimensions to the human figure by making them appear more as characters from various myths and traditional narratives, populating a composition quite the contrary. As an artist he is extraordinarily versatile, cherishing the facility to work in diverse media, sizes, and techniques over a stylistic conformity to a single medium, genre, size, technique, and manner of visualization.
Image may contain: 1 person
A prolific writer, scholar, teacher and art historian, Subramanyan uses his in-depth knowledge of various artistic traditions to create fantastical images of wit and eroticism that are universal in their appeal, yet coupled with iconic symbols drawn from Indian legends and folklore. Subramanyan has time and again aimed at blurring the boundaries between art and the artisan. The artist has also dabbled in glass painting and toy making, even weaving, which is generally considered ‘artisanal’. Even in his written works, the exploration of art as a language or means of communication is a recurring theme. Subramanyan has also illustrated as well as authored fiction for children.
No automatic alt text available.
Born on 15 February, 1924, in Kerala, Subramanyan studied under the tutelage of Benode Behari Mukherjee, Nandalal Bose and Ramkinkar Baij at Santiniketan. He graduated from Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharati University, there in 1948 after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the Presidency College in Chennai. In 1955, he received a British Council Research Fellowship to the Slade School of Art at the University of London. During freedom struggle he was actively involved and was known for his Gandhian ideology. He was even imprisoned and later banned from joining government colleges during the British Rule.
No automatic alt text available.
Mani da, was famous in his juniors’ and students’ circle due to his great views, easy go nature with prolific guiding skills.
KGS has been awarded Kalidas Samman, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Deshikottam.
The living legend has drawn the end of the memorable period of Indian Art of his genre 29th June 2016.
Pranam Mani Da.
No automatic alt text available.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A New Vista in My Creative Journey: Entering Digital Art by Prabuddha Ghosh

A New Vista in My Creative Journey: Entering Digital Art in 2025 by Prabuddha Ghosh A fter more than thirty-five years of dedicated engagement with photography and nearly two decades of sustained practice in digital photography, I have now entered a new and significant phase of my creative journey: the field of Digital Art. This transition has emerged organically through reflection, experimentation and encouragement from individuals whose guidance and faith have been deeply meaningful to me. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the constant motivation and mentorship of my friend and senior artist, Shri Atul Padiaji of Vadodara, Gujarat, whose encouragement gave me the confidence to explore this medium with greater seriousness and depth. Equally important has been the role of my younger brother, Shri Jayanta Khan of Kolkata, who, through his persistent inspiration over more than a year, urged me to take this decisive step and begin a new chapter in my artistic life. I also believe t...
Post a Comment
Read more

World Art Day 2025: Global Celebration of Creativity and Community By Prabuddha Ghosh

World Art Day 2025: Global Celebration of Creativity and Community By Prabuddha Ghosh Written on April 15, 2025 — The global art community ushered in World Art Day 2025 with the launch of the first phase of celebrations under this year’s compelling theme: “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.” This international observance, officially proclaimed by UNESCO in 2019, continues to honor the indispensable role of art in shaping societies, bridging divides, and nurturing creativity beyond borders. At the forefront of this year’s celebration is an innovative international online exhibition, curated by acclaimed Indian artist and curator Prabuddha Ghosh, with the support of the Indian non-profit Art Insight Medium (AIM). A special message of goodwill was also shared by Ajay Jadhav, Founder President and Trustee of AIM, emphasizing the organization’s enduring commitment to empowering artists globally. Commemorated on the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci, the Re...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Unwritten Verse: Tagore’s Soul in Color and Form by Prabuddha Ghosh (Commemorating the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore)

The Unwritten Verse: Tagore’s Soul in Color and Form (Commemorating the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) by Prabuddha Ghosh Rabindranath Tagore , fondly and universally known as Gurudev , is widely celebrated as a Nobel laureate in literature. However, what remains lesser known is his profound and unexpected entry into the world of visual art during the later years of his life. While primarily recognized for his poetry, prose, songs, drama, novels, and philosophical thought, Tagore’s foray into painting revealed yet another dimension of his boundless creativity. Although he began this artistic journey relatively late, his artwork resonates with an intensity and vividness that are both enigmatic and deeply human. His artistic expressions are far from mere historical artifacts—they are living, breathing creations that continue to captivate the contemporary imagination. Here's a closer look at why Tagore’s art remains remarkably relevant today: Tagore’s paintings ...
Post a Comment
Read more