J.M.S. Mani
The simple, rustic folk of the Deccan Plateau in South India,
with strong Dravidian (an ancient race in South India) features, are the
subjects of J.M.S. Mani's paintings. His art is an amalgamation of Indian
culture with Occidental Western formalism. His figures are modeled in
three-dimensional form, with bold brushwork, similar in style to those of the
impressionists. Mani chooses to depict his characters, the balloon seller, the
women with a rooster, in a simple and uncluttered manner. They narrate an
untold tale; much like the famous "Dancing Girl" of the ancient Mohenjodaran
civilization of the Indus Valley; a tale that tells of the origins of an entire
race. Though seemingly simple, Mani's images too, are representative of an
entire civilization. The pulsating colours in his paintings offset the dark
skin of his characters, creating a sense of drama in his compositions. And it
is his colours and compositions which are expressive, rather than the figures
themselves. The figures appear to have been frozen within the canvas, and their
beauty and grace is enhanced by the restricted use of gestures and expressions.
J.M.S. Mani has a diploma in Drawing and Painting from the Ken School of Art,
Bangalore. He won the Karnataka Lait Kala Akademi Award from 1981 to 1983. He
has had various shows across India and abroad. He currently lives and works in
Bangalore.
