HYDERABAD: Shuvaprasanna, of course, needs no introduction, being among the most well-known names in the world of Indian art.Ever since he graduated from the Indian College of Art at Calcutta in 1969, he has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows, both in India and abroad. Talented artist that he is, Shuvaprasanna is equally at ease, working with a variety of media including oil on canvas, charcoal and mixed media. Calcutta has always figured prominently in his work, though presently he is busy with his series Icons and Illustrations, which depicts divine figures like Krishna, Radha and Ganesha, albeit with contemporary sensibilities.Recent and Retrospective Art, an exhibition that displays his works right from his initial years as a painter to now is on till July 17 at Chitramayee State Art Gallery. The exhibition which hosts about 130 art pieces including paintings and sculptures, date back to as early as 1971. The exhibition as the name suggests, shows the transition of the 64 years-old Shuvaprasanna (or Shuvada as he is fondly called) over the past 40 years.Clearly, both as an artist and a man, Shuvaprasanna is from - and of - Calcutta. The city has always figured prominently in his work. The paintings provide a unique insight into the mind of Shuvada. Many of the themes are dominated by his hometown Kolkata. His interaction with the city and the indelible impression that the plight of the city has left on him, come through onto the canvas.From his works in the 1990’s, there is a picture titled Procession that shows goddess Kali. Another one of his paintings called Tagore, Tagore depicts Tagore as the Thinker (a bronze statue by Auguste Rodin) with a bird perched on his head. Route 7 & 8 is a typical scene of a Kolkata alley with the tram trudging along.In terms of technique, Shuvaprasanna boasts a precise, finely-executed style that yields an unmistakable visual intensity. He works comfortably in an assortment of media, including oil on canvas, charcoal, and mixed media.The tone of his works varies between detachedly ironic and fervently empathic.Besides his love for Kolkata, Shuvada also has a love for the murky; most of his paintings are done in tones of grey, brown, blank and midnight blue. But colour seems to spring forth when it comes to his works on deities. The most recent works of his, which in fact were completed this year, are a series of paintings on Krishna and one very magnificent and vibrant painting of Goddess Durga.The vibrant blues, yellows, and saffron represent a joyful liberation. What is interesting too, is the textural use of gold and silver foil, pressed delicately onto the canvases.Also breaking away from his usual tones of grey is his longest piece of work (also completed this year), a 40 foot canvas filled with dancing swans on a Prussian blue background, titled the Dance.Many of the artist’s themes deal with owls, crows, cityscapes, passion flower, clocks and people. His collection also includes sculptures and intaglio work. Shuvada has worked with most everything, from oil on canvas and charcoal to mixed media and printmaking.
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