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R.B. BHASKARAN

Artist

(Born-1942)

R.B. Bhaskaran was born in Chennai, 1942. He is a renowned Indian contemporary artist. He studied painting from Govt. College of Arts & Crafts, Madras (Chennai). He underwent training for fresco technique at Banasthali Vidyapith college, Rajasthan. After that under the scholarship from UNESCO, he studied intaglio printmaking, Lithography and ceramics at Ein Hod Israel. 

Bhaskaran participated in the Madras Art Movement in the 1960s, he opposed the idea of Nativism promoted by K.C.S. Panniker.  Panniker believed artists should create an Indian style by adding Indian motifs and themes to their artwork. However, Bhaskaran wanted to avoid restrictive endeavors and not limit artists to specific motifs or themes. He believed that every brush mark made by an Indian artist is inherently Indian, and this alone is sufficient. And he also aimed to discover a new form of expression that reflects modern Indian sensibility through diverse subject matter and restless energy.

The strong lines and vibrant colors typical of South Indian artists are evident in Bhaskaran's early work. The energy in his compositions is uniquely his own. In his later works, including studies of cats, marriage portraits, and dynamic landscapes, figures blend into lush tree shapes with swirling lines, dots, and geometric patterns set against a colorful background. These artworks always seem full of energy. This lively style may be a contrast to the long hours Bhaskaran spent creating his detailed layered prints, which are a hallmark of his work.

Bhaskaran's works are known for their strong lines and vivid colors. His use of deep browns and grey-blacks gives his art a tribal feel, due to his detailed studies in frescoes. The way he paints faces and other elements shows a clear and direct style. His most famous pieces are from his cat series. Beginning as a sketch of a cat wandering into his studio, turned into an obsession, making the cat a symbol of Bhaskaran himself.

R. B. Bhaskaran lives and works out of Chennai.

Artist Works