Final weekend, whereas crowds carried Ganesha idols to Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar for immersion, artwork fanatics immersed themselves within the enchanting world of calligraphy crafted by artist Parameshwar Raju.
At a gathering at Lodge Marigold for the launch of The Great Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju, the highlight was on the artist himself alongside creator and artwork historian Koeli Mukherjee Ghose.
The 425-page tome, weighing 4 kilograms, options 457 photos of Parameshwar’s authentic works and Koeli’s detailed account of his 40-year creative journey. The ebook transcends being a mere biography; it provides a deep perception into his artwork and life that’s potential solely via the attitude of a fellow artist and a storyteller of Koeli’s calibre.
Koeli recounted an episode on the occasion, which can also be the ebook’s opening chapter. Throughout a practice journey, Parameshwar sat cross-legged in his seat and conjured magic along with his calligraphy pen. He effortlessly executed excellent thin-thick-thin strokes with a rhythmic circulate, and was wholly absorbed in his craft all through the journey, oblivious to the curious onlookers and fellow passengers.
Varaha avatar calligraphy by Parameshwar Raju
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
Drawing inspiration from the iconography of conventional symbols, myths, and historical motifs, Parameshwar masterfully infuses a contemporary sensibility into his artwork with only a few daring strokes. As you flip the ebook’s pages, photos of Ganesha, Krishna, Anantashayana Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, Anjaneya, Vanaras, and extra, captivate you with their hanging crimson minimalism. His work weaves components of sthalapurana (historic, spiritual significance of the place), iconography, and epic narratives, creating a singular visible language that bridges the previous and the current. For Parameshwar, mastering pothis — a demanding type of writing that requires meticulous management of house and proportion — unlocked an entire new dimension of calligraphy.
Parameshwar Raju’s calligraphy of Krishna
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwar started his creative journey of calligraphy with the Devanagari script. Nonetheless, as his work advanced, he delved deeper into his cultural heritage, creating wealthy pictorial narratives reflecting his roots. Starting with the sacred image of Aum, Parameshwar regularly infused his calligraphy with the visible essence of deities, integrating components like vahanas (automobiles) and ayudhas (weapons). Over the previous 20 years, he has masterfully introduced Puranic lore to life via his outstanding artwork. His distinctive fashion has made him a distinguished artist in Hyderabad and earned him international acclaim.
Loving the restrictions
Koeli notes within the ebook how Parameshwar embraced the inherent constraints of calligraphy with satisfaction in his creative expression. What may need been a limitation for a figurative artist, he elevated to a celebrated artwork kind, granting it a singular place within the inventive panorama. Working masterfully inside the boundaries of calligraphy, he adhered to the exact thin-thick-thin strokes of his pen, constantly utilizing the color crimson, symbolising Shakti and creating beautiful narratives. His artwork spans numerous topics, from Puranic lore and childhood reminiscences to modern icons, fantastically showcased within the ebook.
The ebook cowl
Koeli has had a major position in understanding and selling Parameshwar’s artwork. She first met him in 2003, when she was an artwork curator within the metropolis. He handed her a group of his work created as much as that time with a request to put in writing about them. Recalling this second on the occasion, Koeli shared, “ his works, I felt your complete day’s stress dissipate. It was calming, artwork for artwork’s sake. I felt empowered once I noticed the items.” She added, “Usually, once I would stand and have a look at his works, I’d get misplaced in them, however he wouldn’t clarify. Every time I approached him with questions, it solely led to laughter. It didn’t assist me perceive his artwork. So, I turned to the library and did my very own analysis. It took me a very long time, however I finally understood his kinds and nuances. I needed to discover the braveness to navigate his works alone. I’m grateful he trusted me along with his artwork. He has made India proud by placing the nation on the worldwide calligraphy and modern artwork map. He single-handedly began a motion and a style.”
Parameshwar mentioned an concept doesn’t come to an artist via divine intervention. “It emerges from many observations over time, and a picture kinds in our minds, which we then draw. Holding forth an evidence of that course of is tough, so I depart the writing half to Koeli,” he laughed.
The Great Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju, by Koeli Mukherjee Ghose; pp 425, Value: ₹14,999. For orders, contact: 9848622820 / 9652666775
Printed – September 24, 2024 04:48 pm IST
