B. K. S. Varma

Dr.B.K.S. Varma is a painter from Bangalore, India, whose subject is mainly environment and social issues presented in a surreal form. His depiction of Indian Gods has taken a new dimension. He also specializes in painting pictures in front of a large audience, in a short span of time, usually for poetry or dance.

Early life

Dr.B.K.S.Varma was born in 1949 at Karnur, Attibele Taluk, which is situated in the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka. He began sketching as a hobby at the age of six. His mother Smt. Jayalakshmi was an artist herself, his father Sri. Krishnamacharya was a musician. 1962 -68 – Varma was trained for painting and sculpture by Guru Sri. A.N Subbarao at Kalamandir, Bangalore and by Sri.A.C.H. Acharya a sculptor from Devenahalli.

1964 - 67 – Joined Kalamandir School of art. Travelled all over India twice and met a lot of eminent people which included Dr Radakrishna (ex.president of India), Deviprasad Roy Choudry, Jamini Roy, Nandal Bose, KK Hebbar, MF Hussien, Panikar, Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu, Shivarama Karanth and many others. During his travel across India he visited Ajanta, Ellora and many art museums and galleries to gain more knowledge and experience in the field.

1967 – Worked as an associate art director for the Bollywood movie “Aadmi”. During the same time he painted the rocks in Hanumanth Nagar, Bengaluru (inspired by his visit to Ajanta) 1967-73 – He served as an artist for a number of journals and newspapers.

1977-1979 – He worked as an art director for Kannada movies “Banngarada Jinke”, “Ninagagi Naanu”, “Rajeshwari”, “Chadurida Chitragalu” etc.

1986 – He held a show of works on a series of Environmental Paintings at the Karnataka Chitrakala Partishath which was inaugurated by Dr. Roerich and Devikarani. Around the same time he was honored with the “State Lalitkala Academy Award”

1987 – An art exhibition was organized at the time of Mysore Dasara by the Lalitkala Pradarshana and he was honored with “Athi Uttama Kala Kruthi Award”

1988 – Two of his paintings were selected for Indian Festival at the Russia Utsav.

1990 – Collaborated with Dr. Shathaavadhaani.R.Ganesh in a performance – “Kavya Chitra” (a duet of poetry alongside painting) for 24 hours nonstop creating an all time record.

1997 – He was invited by the Kuwait, for the event “Art Formula” at the Ambassador Bhavan wherein he exhibited his art works. During the same time he was also invited by the Bahrain King – Bin Kalifa, to exhibit his art works at the Bahrain Arts Society for the event “Bahrain Peace 2000”.

1999 – He travelled to London and presented his art works at the “Art ‘n’ Auction” - Eastern Arts. He also exhibited his works at the “Nehru Centre”, London.

2000 – Was selected by the Karnataka Government to be a part of the “Vishwa Kannada Sammelana”, Huston. He put forth “Kavya Chitra”, over 30 performances at different cities in America.

2001 – He was honoured by the Karnataka Government with the prestigious award “Karnataka Rajya Puruskar”. He also received the Rajyothsava award[1]

2005 – A performance – “Geeta Kuncha” at Singapore by the Kannada Sangha.

2010 – Biography published [2]

On the spot drawing

Varma specialises in paintings for specific topics given either in poetry or in dance form. He drew poetry of Shatavadhani Ganesh on topics suggested by audience.[3] He also draws paintings for subjects discussed on a stage.[4] He uses a piece of rope as brush, mainly to finish quickly. He produced multiple paintings during a flute concert on 19 December 2006 and the paintings' subjects were depicted in the lyrics used by the flutists.[5]

Recognition

• 2015 – Most Influential Indians Award by Gulf Connoisseur

• 2014 – Honorary State Lalitkala Academy Award

• 2011 – Honorary Doctorate by Bangalore University[6]

• Rajya Prashasti by the Karnataka Government

• State Lalit Kala Academy Award

• Kempegowda Award

• Aryabhatta Award

• Rajiv Gandhi Award

• Jeevraj Alva Award

• Jayachamaranjendra Award

• Saarvabhauma Award

• Alva’s Chithrasiri award

• Rangashri award

• Kuncha Viranchi Award

• Zee TV Kannada Award (Man of the Year) and many more

References

  1. ↑ TNN (1 November 2001). "53 receive Rajyothsava awards". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  2. ↑ Moona, Suresh. "Abhinava Ravivarma BKS Varma". Sapna Book house,Bangalore. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Competitions, cultural programmes, mark Kala Utsav 2006". The Hindu. 19 December 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  4. ↑ "Orator and artist jugalbandi leaves audience spellbound". The Hindu. 11 June 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  5. ↑ "When music inspired art". The Hindu. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  6. ↑ "BU honorary doctorate for Nisar Ahmed, B.K.S. Verma". The Hindu. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
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