A new language
“Still recovering” from his participation at the India Art Summit in Delhi earlier this year, senior artist Ramesh Vedambhatla is already knee-deep in the ambitious task of integrating the expressions of poetry and art into a single language.
The Vizag artist’s installation at the show titled Sanctum Sanctorum: A Corner For Four Sisters was a solo project comprising 17 large canvases arranged in a “walk-in” space. His work focused on the philosophy of four poet sisters Lal Ded, Karaikkal Ammiyar, Andal and Akka Maha-devi. Today, he continues to work on the same series but the expression has evolved. “I have so far used the verses of the poetry in my art. I am now trying to formulate a language that integrates both. Just like words have their connotations, I want to create a language that will interpret paintings and poetry together,” he explains.
Ramesh has no qualms admitting that poetry bored him as a child. But Bhakti poetry “impelled him” a decade ago. “I felt so deeply about it that I had to articulate it. Since I am not a writer, I painted poetry,” he says.
While he paints both male and female poetry, his interpretation of the verses from female poetry carries subtle erotic symbolism — a characteristic of the Bhakti movement.
“Lal Deb was from 14th century Kashmir, while Akka Maha Devi was from 12th century Karnataka. All these poets lived centuries apart and had vast geographical distances, but their poetry has a lot of common ground, from the tone of their language to the human experience at large,” he points out.
Ramesh, who chooses to keep a low profile, understands the risks of art becoming exclusive. But, this passionate lecturer at Andhra University has a solution.
“Unfortunately, art has become exclusive. A common man hesitates to walk into a gallery. We need more public spaces with art that is accessible to everyone, especially the young. For instance, the Salar Jung Musuem in Hyderabad and Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. We need more such spaces,” he urges. As to doing his part, Ramesh encourages school kids to visit the college and interact with his students.
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