Rich, smooth palette
PUSHPA CHARI
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Janakiraman Babu specialises in Mysore glass paintings where the stress is on minute detailing.
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PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO
DIVINE THEMES: Janakiraman with some of his works.
The glass paintings from Mysore which features mythological themes with meticulous detailing of facial expressions and clothes, is believed to have originated around the 16th century as part of temple and private worship. Patronised by the Mysore rul
ers, the late 18th and 19th centuries saw an outpouring of glass paintings by hereditary craftspersons, mainly depicting the pantheon of Hindu gods and goddesses and dazzling scenes of Rama’s coronation, Sita Kalyanam and Krishna Leela.
What distinguishes the traditional Mysore glass painting from other styles is the use of softer colour tones, the lack of profuse ornamentation and the use of gems. The tradition continues to this day, though a fusion with the Tanjore style has led to the use of gem encrustation. Secular themes are also executed adding a contemporary sensibility to the art form.
Unusual shades
Janakiraman Babu’s Mysore glass paintings resonate with a rare palette of pinks and oranges, apart from the traditional red, blue, black and greens. His 12" by 10" Ganesha done in shades of orange exudes energy yet has a serene air. Equally compelling is Lakshmi sitting on a large pink gem encrusted lotus. Most of his frames depict gods and goddesses including Saraswati, baby Krishna and Ras Lila. And, of course, there’s Sita Kalyanam with its rich tapestry of colour, its textured delineation of raiment and the lyrical facial expression. Incidentally, he won the State Award for 2008 for Sita Kalyanam.
“I learnt the craft from my father, K. Venkatesh Rao, who was also a State Awardee,” says Janakiraman. “I use a lot of traditional colours such as red, blue and green, but an willing to experiment with non-traditional shades as well.”
He demonstrates how the whole process is reversed, including doing the art on the obverse side.
“We first do the outline with a brush, down to the last detail. In fact, in traditional sculpture and painting, the drawing and painting of the eyes is done last. The opening of the eyes is a ritual and of great significance. In Mysore glass paintings, the eyes along with the face and form are sketched first. Then, we start the painting with the outermost layer or last layer done first. For instance, the outermost petal of a flower would be painted first and later other petals will follow. Everything is done in reverse order since one looks at the art form through the glass frame.
After finishing the painting, we fix the gems to give it glitter.” Janakiraman uses vegetable and mineral colours, poster and water colours in the same frame. His innovative themes include floral arrangements, birds and so on.
He undertakes orders as well. (ph: 97907 67959 or 24359223) Janakiraman Babu’s paintings are on view at an exhibition at Lakshmi Ethiraj Art Gallery, New No. 70, 1st Floor, 1st Main Road, CIT Nagar, till July 13.
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