Veerasanthanam - A Retrospective

One of the goals of the DakshinaChitra Museum is to bring to light through exhibitions, films and catalogues the art and thinking of contemporary artists from South India who have worked from the 1950s onwards. The early years after Independence was a creative period but also a struggle for most of the artists. The art market at that time in the South was non-existent and finding alternate employment was also a huge challenge. Most of the artists, like Veerasanthanam were from villages. Their art expresses what they know and experience an understanding of their culture that they imbibed from the ecology, the festivals and temples, everyday activities and their family values.

Veerasanthanam is very specific in detailing how he sees his world and how his village life shaped his thinking and art. Inspiration for his paintings comes from major icons, performances, and everyday activities of the south as well as mythology, dreams and even the struggle of daily life. His subjects, be they figures or nature, fill nearly the entire canvas and they are covered with motifs, symbols and patterns, accentuated colour. I am reminded of a quote from Mithila painter, the late Ganga Devi When she was asked why she filled her canvases with designs. She replied, "to leave blank spaces would be inauspicious. Fertility and prosperity are always full." Veerasanthanam's paintings too express this "essence" of the values he grew up with and which he prizes.

As he developed his art he also explored the works of other artists and visited museums in Europe. But he always returned to what he knew. His soul is anchored in South Indian rural culture; his art comes from within. It does not attempt to be something which it is not.

DakshinaChitra is pleased to present the work of Veerasanthanam to the public.