Canvassing childhood passion

Artist Hari Srinivas paints the world as he sees it. He is living proof of the impact that activities in childhood can have on a person in their adult life

Indulging in extra-circular activities while in childhood is known to aide one’s professional life later on, and artist Hari Srinivas is proof to this. Describing his childhood he says, “Since school I had a lot of interest in hand writing and calligraphy and I used to experiment them by creating new and unique designs.” An exhibition featuring his works is on view at Taj Deccan till November 15.

While in sixth standard, Hari started drawing and colouring whatever he observed around him. His passion for painting made him feel inspired him to try painting something new each time. Born in Telangana’s Adilabad district, he started observing people and culture in and around his hometown. Later on, for his further studies he moved to Mumbai where he completed his graduation from JJ School of Art and then studied in JNTU College of Finance in Hyderabad.

Despite having worked for 27 years in a reputed international ad agency, his love for painting did not stop. During his free time he used to paint until one day he decided to make it his profession. He says, “Mind cannot learn drawing, it’s a passion for art where heart, soul and mind come together to create new and wonderful designs.” His source of inspiration lies in the famous artist worldwide, whose biographies he used to and still reads. His observation of their work fuels him.

The ongoing exhibition in the city displays observations from his journey through life. The imaginative colours used in his paintings are vibrant and invokes thoughts in the minds of those who observe his works. Some of his paintings include subjects like lord Ganesha, birds, horses and people.

Speaking of the illustration of a horse painted in blue with its hair on its face, Hari says, “Horses have beauty and a royal look. This is a painting of a running horse whose face is covered with its mane, which makes it look attractive. I have painted it in blue to give it a different look. In this painting, pointed brushes were used and abstract lines were drawn.”

In another work, he captured through painting a moving bus on the road, people boarding a train and most of the common moments happening around us. It takes around 15 to 20 days to complete his paintings. His works are mostly of the size 3x3 or 4x3 and he customises the works which are then sold for causes towards cancer patients and blind students. He concludes by saying, “Every moment occurring in the surroundings can be recorded accurately in the form of art.”

By:Chitra Saikumar