Paintings by Badri Narayan reflect a calm moment of reflection

Mumbai-based art gallery, The Viewing Room, presents a solo exhibition of recent works by Badri Narayan. Like his engaging and multi faceted persona, the artist’s paintings probe and bear testimony to the peculiar human predicament. Here is a quick recap of his art career, life and philosophy:

• During his illustrious career filled with many milestones, he has always deeply introspected about his art and life. A streak of self-reflection coupled with an honest autobiographical perspective is the driving force behind his wonderful body of work over all these years.
• Born in Andhra Pradesh, in 1929, the self-taught artist has been passionately painting his pet themes for close to five decades now. Since his debut show at the Hyderabad Art Society in 1954, he has held more than fifty solos in India and internationally.
• Among his selected group exhibitions are 'Black is Beautiful', India Fine Art, Mumbai (2010); 'Sacred and Secular', India Fine Art (2009); 'The Root of Everything', Gallery Mementos, Bangalore (2009); ‘Different Strokes’ courtesy Tulika Arts, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (2007-08); ’50 Years of Art in Mumbai’, NGMA, Mumbai (1998); and Jehangir Nicholsan Collection, NGMA, Mumbai & New Delhi (1998), apart from participation in 'Moderns', Royal Cultural Centre, Amman, Jordan courtesy Lalit Kala Akademi, Delhi (2008).
• His artistic achievements have been appreciated in form of several honors and awards, such as Padma Shri (1987); Senior Fellowship for Outstanding Artists from the Government of India (1984-86); National Award, LKA, Delhi (1965); gold medals from Hyderabad Art Society (1949,54,60,62); and awards from AIFACS, Delhi (1962,63,66) as well as Bombay Art Society (1957,58,59,70).
• Playful in nature, the paintings by Badri Narayan reflect his very personal sense of beauty and aesthetics. Profoundly sober and soothing, the central figure in these compositions is often rendered in what seems to be a dream state. A quietude and stillness prevails in these works, enhanced by a subdued palette. Contemplative in tone, they suggest a calm moment of reflection. The figures bound to each other are simultaneously engrossed in their own thoughts.