Artist Prakash Nayak’s work’s depicts rituals of Uttara Karnataka with
a new energy. Titled ‘Masks of Gods and Goddesses hi will be witness
to Prakash Nayak’s ‘Masks of God & Goddess’ at Gallerie Kanchika.
The exhibition which is scheduled to focus on some of Nayak’s best
works revolving around Tantra- Mantra rituals and practices of the
early settlers in the Uttara Kannada regions.
Similar to his other works, ‘Masks of God & Goddess’ too, uses colors
in a dazzling, poignant way. While mythical forms have a major role to
play, Nayak never loses sight of realism and the two elements blend
perfectly. The Bangalore- based artist who has won several awards like
the Lalit Kala Academy Award in 2004 and the Junior Fellowship Award,
has displayed his works in the country as well as abroad. Announcing
the show, Curator of the show said, “In Prakash Nayak’s paintings a
happy marriage of the modern and the traditional can be found.
Prakash's impressions of folk culture of coastal Karnataka are
reflected in the Masks of God & Goddess series. The works stands out
for its philosophical reflection and a lyrical mood which is matched
by painterly means - the tense, compact brush strokes, the combination
of bluish shades and ochre, often highlighted by deep brown. The rich
colours suggest the abundance of life, its eternity, beauty and
bounty, and of course the strong ties that link men and women to their
native land, native culture and native world.”
“A characteristic feature of his paintings is that almost each of his
pictures contains folk motifs and rituals. What we see in him is not
drawing from nature, but memory transformed by imagination. The show
is all about focusing on creative palpitations and symbolic
gestures,When you look at his paintings, you are struck by the use of
bright colours and the depicting of serious expressions on the
subjects' mask. Prakash G Nayak excels in miniature paintings and
loves playing with colours.
His journey in his own words...
I got my diploma in fine arts from Dharwad University in 1996. I have
always been fascinated by miniature aintings, and traditional and folk
art. This, coupled with my curiosity about gods and goddesses, made me
explore work that could combine both. I have also been painting
landscapes as well. My miniature paintings have a leaf, a lotus and
water some where!
I was exposed to modern art rather late in my professional life, and I
wouldn't describe myself as a complete modern artist. I like the blend
of modern and traditional art. I love to play with colours. Red, blue,
green, yellow and orange are the colours that I use in almost all my
paintings. They are strong colours and they add a lot of richness and
depth to my work.
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