Bangalore artists receive national honours

BANGALORE: Two artists put Bangalore on the country's art map by winning national awards for their work.
The works of two Bangaloreans, N Srinivasa Reddy, 27, and Sanjeeva Rao Guthi, 32, were selected for the National Academy Award (Lalit Kala Akademi). Reddy's work 'I want that' on postcards and Guthi's 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' will be on display at the 55th National Exhibition of Art at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi till April 10with other reputed artists from all over India.
'I want That,' the art work by Reddy's works on 16 postcards in colour look at the sorry state of social affairs. "The postcards belong to the British period (1950s). I found them stuck in a rod along with wedding invitations, power bills, etc in a bathroom in my grandmother's house at Gowribidanur. They are all used cards. I tried to convey the message that the situation prevailing during the British era and the one in current times are almost similar.''
The predominant concerns in Reddy's work are socio-political, such as the struggles of the common man and government apathy. The images are primarily derived from the world around, such as political graffiti. "Indian mythology has an innate respect for animals and the environment. Now, instead of looking at values behind these characters, we have reduced them to mere idols. Animals and their habitats are destroyed in the name of development."
According to Guthi, his 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' is based on his observation of everyday life. society that he sees everyday.
"The behaviour of people, be it political, social or personal, influences my conscience and decisions get translated into my paintings.''
Guthi works with layers. "The painting has watercolour as the predominant medium. The colours are bright which metaphorically highlight attitudes. I also use a lot of glitter, stickers and metallic colours.''
The artists received cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh each, a copper plaque and certificate as part of the award.