A mathematician turned artist celebrates life

Chennai-based A.V. Ilango is an artist, a teacher and a mathematician, all rolled one. Coming from a modest background, he encountered quite a fierce opposition to his passion for art.

However, true passion and true artistic instincts ultimately prevail. He did pursue his dreams even while working as a Maths teacher. His perseverance finally worked and he became a renowned artist. He is now able to paint and also has formed an Art Centre to teach art and conduct art related events.

With mathematical ratios, his work has the perfect compositions. It has figures at an angle to
exude dynamism, with the icons occupying most of the canvas space. In them a frame is painted itself within a frame. The artist uses a palette knife for applying paint on canvas. His bold, strong strokes display a great vibrancy, a touch of immediateness in his paintings.

His solo show, comprising a mix of his most recent and earlier works is on view at the Mumbai-based Jamaat Art Gallery. It amplifies the spirit and philosophy of his practice. Elaborating on his style of painting and his persona, an accompanying not by Pravina Mecklai points out: “Overcoming a personal tragedy, the artist has opted to celebrate life. He looks to delight in the little joys, all the pleasures, the energy, the music, the dance, the rituals and the whole rhythm of life.”

The artist seeks inspiration largely from the fascinating postures and flamboyance of the devoted temple drummers and dancers. Their colors, their vibrancy, their movements and their complete surrendering to the moment while they perform for celebrating the glory of life; all reflect in his paintings.

A.V. Ilango’s canvases are all about bold colors, bold attitude and bold strokes. They spell the passion and flair of a joyous celebration of life that this mathematician turned artist indulges in each moment, which make his works worth a look.