The centenary exhibition of K.G. Subramanyan conceptualised by K.S. Radhakrishnan from the art collection of Takshila Education Society, unveils the intricate tapestry of the artist’s brilliance. K. G. Subramanyan, affectionately known as ‘Mani Da’ has been an eminent artist, art teacher, designer, writer, and philosopher of art. Takshila’s remarkable art collection gently reveals Mani Da’s works spanning his entire career that showcase the versatility of the artworks ranging from the early 1960s to the last years of his life.
In Santiniketan, K.G Subramanyan is affectionately known as “Mani Da”. Having studied in Kala Bhawan and after teaching at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Baroda, his return to Santiniketan again as a Visiting Fellow, Professor of Painting, and Professor Emeritus holds deep significance. This Exhibition was thoughtfully opened on 15th of February which marks the birth anniversary of our beloved Mani Da. That this exhibition is held in Santiniketan is especially meaningful for all of us.
This collection was made possible when K.S Radhakrishnan extended help to the Takshila Education Society. At the time, Takshila was effortlessly working to acquire a rich collection of artworks from both senior and emerging Indian artists. It was during this period that Radhakrishnan went through the extensive body of KG Subramanyan’s work held by Naveen Kishore of Seagull Books. This collection spanned the different decades of the artist’s working life, showcasing the variety of mediums he worked in, ranging from lithographs and etchings to pen, ink, watercolors, oils, and even terracotta pieces.
The exhibition elegantly unfolds in three distinct phases. Upon entering, the artist’s most recent works resonate with the vibrancy of the last works of Mani Da created in 2015. Moving into the next section, a journey through time awaits, featuring pieces from the 1990s to the early 2000s. This is where one can find the various mediums he worked and get an understanding of his versatility as an artist. As one ascends to gallery three, a treasure trove of Mani Da’s creations from the 1960s to the 1980s awaits.
The exhibition, conceptualised by K.S. Radhakrishnan, hopes to offer a nuanced exploration of the artist’s oeuvre, inviting viewers to appreciate the depth and variety of his work.