The renowned Indian painter A. Ramachandran passed away on February 10, 2024, at the age of 89, following a protracted illness. His passing signifies the end of an era in Indian art history and leaves a legacy that has enhanced the country’s cultural landscape.
“In passing away of A Ramachandran the Indian world of art loses a top ranking artists. He evolved a distinct vision and style both in painting and sculpture. A well regarded teacher of art, he trained many young talents. Many of his canvases wete large and seemed as passionate tributes to rural and pastoral life and nature of North India even though he hailed from Kerala and studied art in Santiniketan. The Raza Foundation deeply mourns the demise of a inspiring master of our times.”
-Ashok Vajpeyi
Ramachandran, who was born in 1935 in Attingal, Kerala, had a very intense passion for art and a never-ending quest for artistic expression. His love of art never wavered, even after earning a master’s degree in Malayalam literature in 1957. When he enrolled in Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan, he discovered his artistic passion. There, he studied under the guidance of well-known gurus like Ramkinkar Baij and Benode Behari Mukherjee, finishing his art studies in 1961.
Thematic concerns and style saw a striking change during Ramachandran’s artistic voyage. He started off painting in an expressionist style, using large-scale compositions that resembled murals and emotional figuration to capture the turbulent energy of urban life. But by the 1980s, his creative path had taken a dramatic change as he explored the colourful culture of Rajasthan’s tribal populations and looked to Keralan temple murals for inspiration with their brilliant colours and patterns. Indian epic myths and stories acquired a significant place in his creative lexicon, demonstrating a deep connection to cultural legacy and individuality.
As a painter, Ramachandran created paintings that were brimming with vivid hues and dynamic shapes that exuded vigour and excitement. His command of composition, colour, and line produced a visual language that spoke to viewers and drew them into an intricately symbolic world. Ramachandran’s creative abilities extended beyond painting to sculpture, where he displayed a sharp formal sensibility and a fascinating playfulness that set his work apart. Ramachandran’s 2003 completion of the granite bas-relief sculpture at the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, was one of his most significant contributions to public art. This enormous piece, which is 125 feet long and almost 20 feet high, is proof of his continuing influence as a nationally significant artist.
Ramachandran’s artistic achievements were duly recognised and honoured throughout his illustrious career. In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of the Lalit Kala Akademi, and in 2005, he was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation. Additionally, in 2013, he received an honorary doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, further cementing his stature as a luminary in the Indian art world.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Ramachandran was a prolific writer and illustrator. He wrote and illustrated several books on art and culture, including “Abode of Gods: Mural Traditions of Kerala,” a comprehensive study on the murals seen in Keralan temples. He received recognition for his work in children’s literature, including the esteemed Noma Concours Awards in 1978 and 1980.
With his death, A. Ramachandran leaves a lasting legacy that inspires and influences a new generation of artists and art lovers. His creative vision, which is infused with a strong sense of originality and great respect for tradition, will live on as an example of the force of imagination and creativity. Although the specifics of A. Ramachandran’s funeral ceremonies are unknown, everyone who was impacted by his creativity and vision will carry his memories with them forever. May his soul rest in peace, knowing that his contributions will keep enhancing India’s cultural legacy for many years to come.
Feature image courtesy: Gulf News
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