Playing down his own talent, Puttachari is obsessed with spreading peace through canvas
Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
Divine touch Creativity with a purpose is the need of the hour
Far from the spotlight of swanky art galleries in big cities, a Guntur-based painter is creating waves in over 100 nations across the world through his enchanting artistic skills. A drawing teacher by profession, R. Puttachari had little inkling that
his obsession for camaraderie among world nation will provide him a golden opportunity to make known to the world his perception on the facets of life so explicitly. He sent paintings of some of his students to world leaders as greeting cards on special occasions and the warm gesture evoked good response. The thought-provoking art pieces created by the rookie artists of primary school brought him laurels and international acclaim. A few children even enjoyed junkets to some of the nations abroad.
Harmonious blend
A diploma-holder from the Mysore-based Chamarajendra Technical Institute Fine Arts, Puttachari is known for his pleasing mannerisms in Kendriya Vidyalaya at Nallapadu in Guntur. Recipient of a national award for being adjudged the best drawing teacher in 1992, he wasted no time in dipping his paintbrush in the oil pastels to create magic on the canvas and spread the message of peace across the globe. He plans to put up his works on display in important cities of the country.
The 10-odd huge paintings adorning the wall of a small drawing room of his house in Guntur speak of his obsession for communal harmony. Bright contrasting colours and strange odd strokes encompass his signature, which is as unique as his art.
Each work tells a story. A painting depicts how human beings are born the same way only to take divergent tracks that distance them from one another. An optimist at heart, he strikes a positive note in the end by depicting amalgamation of the divergent routes.
One need not have to be an art enthusiast to comprehend the distinct strokes of his paintbrush, as the message given through them is loud and clear. Marking the beginning of the proposed art exhibitions, he has got a tiny booklet on his works printed for distribution.
Grooming young talent
The artist turned down many opportunities that came his way because he did not want to commercialise his skills. Even after being bestowed with the UNESCO’s Sarva Kala Ratna Title in 1998, he stuck to his convictions by restricting his artistic skills to help budding painters to hone their skills. “The exhibition I propose to put up is not for financial gain. I want to promote the concept of world peace across the length and breadth of the world using my skills as a tool. Since I cannot afford to organise such events on my own due to financial constraints, I am looking forward to sponsorships from art and peace-lovers,” he says in a matter-of-fact way. At the fag end of his career in the school, Puttachari is happy with his achievements. “I feel proud when I look at the appreciation letters sent by the heads of 70-odd nations and the congratulatory messages from 37 others,” he adds with a sense of satisfaction. The artist can be contacted on phone No. 0863-2265790.
RAMESH SUSARLA
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