Past Present

Remembrances of Voices Past, a solo show of artist V Ramesh’s works, takes viewers through an array of unusual canvases, where the painter tries to bring out his ideas of faith and renunciation through his brush. Though many of the paintings may seem similar at first, a closer look will have the viewer marvelling at the artist’s eye for detail, with each artwork presenting a story of its own.

The press note for the show says, ‘what an artist such as Ramesh achieves is a rebellious de-iconization, despite dealing with materials that otherwise occupy the realm of the iconic. And this is what contributes to his critical modernity’.

5 Questions with the artist, V Ramesh

1. Artistic Motivations “Life around me. In spite of all the vicissitudes and disasters, some of our own making, our inherent humanity still makes us strive towards a state of perfection.”

2. Inspirations “I am inspired by all artists – not necessarily only visual – who continue to express themselves to the world at large.”

3. On the wall at home “Not artists, but certainly a Pahari painting or two.”

4. Concerns that find a place in your art “The violence which one man inflicts on another as a result of greed is what disturbs me. We seem to have totally lost our sense of compassion towards our fellow beings and humanity. Hence, I am moved by acts of kindness, compassion and renunciation.”

5. If not an artist you would be…“an engine driver.”

Remembrances of Voices Past is on display at the American University Museum, Washington DC from April 4 – May 24, 2015.