S.G. Vasudev

 S. G. Vasudev, born in Mysore, completed his Diploma in Fine Arts from the Government College of Art and Craft, Madras, in 1968. He was significantly influenced by the esteemed artist-teacher K. C. S. Paniker. While still a student, he earned the Lalit Kala Akademi’s National Award in 1967, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.

In the 1970s, Vasudev gained recognition with his Vriksha series, which evolved into the Mithuna series, exploring vegetal and human sexual imagery. His thematic exploration extended to well-known series like He & She, Hayavadana, Ganesha, and humanscapes. Vasudev's artistic versatility is evident in his collaborative work with master weavers to create silk tapestries, as well as in his copper engravings, beaten metal objects, and batik-style paintings on cloth and canvas. Initially, his work featured heavy impasto, but he later incorporated the linear impulse characteristic of South Indian style, blending it with color and lyricism. His compositions often feature simple geometrical shapes as a framing device.

Alongside Paniker, Vasudev co-founded the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, where he lived and worked until 1988. His contributions to art have been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions both in India and internationally. Additionally, he has served as a member of the executive board of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. Currently, S. G. Vasudev resides and works in Bengaluru, continuing to contribute to the art world with his diverse and evolving body of work.