Art that runs in the family

CELEBRATING NATURE: A painting by artist P. Narendranath that is part of the ongoing exhibition in the Capital

NEW DELHI: An exhibition of paintings by the father-son duo of పీ.ఆర్.రాజు (P. R. Raju) and పీ. నరేంద్ర నాథ్ (P. Narendra Nath) opened at Rabindra Bhavan here on Monday.

The artists from Hyderabad are together showcasing 42 paintings. Seventy-eight-year-old Raju has presented his works at almost all major exhibitions across the country. He is presenting 26 of his paintings in the Capital, most of which are abstracts.

A few of his works on show also bring alive the quintessential way of life in his native Andhra Pradesh. Snapshots of rustic life and facets of nature also work their way into his paintings.

Nature takes centre-stage in the works of Narendra Nath. He considers nature his "original studio" and his foray into the world of colours began at an early age as he watched his father at work.

Narendra Nath draws inspiration from lakes, trees, bushes and mountains. Nature and its changing moods remain the lifeline of his artistic expressions. The brush strokes have been replaced by palette knife in the 16 paintings he has displayed here.

Narendra Nath's love for painting also prompted him to give up a busy management career to take up art full-time. He is now coaching children in various forms of art at Art Study Circle started by his father in 1982.

Raju, founder of the reputed art school, has trained more than 3,000 students at this institute. He is also founder and general secretary of the Bharatha Kala Parishad in Hyderabad. The renowned artist was also instrumental in publishing seven volumes of Kala art magazines in Telugu.

Raju has been felicitated with many awards including the Lalit Kala Akademi award. The Andhra Government has conferred on him the Atma Gaurava Puraskaram.

The exhibition is on view up to April 29.

Courtesy: The Hindu