“You are what your work is. Painting gave me self worth. In that pictorial space I was king. I began to define myself through this act of painting. It was the only place where I could be." - Baiju Parthan
Baiju Parthan comes from a small place named Kottayam in Kerala. Though initially an engineer, Parthan’s interest in art was sparked only in 1974, when he stumbled upon a book on the history of Western Art. Parthan discovered a world of Expressionism and Impressionism in its pages, this early exposure setting the stage for much further exploration into the art world and a major step into his own self-discovery.
In 1978, Parthan went to Goa to do a five-year course in the Fine Arts. During this period he came across an influx of foreigners from different walks of life. People from different cultures came and settled there in search of spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. Their different thoughts and outlook on life and the world helped him understand the human hemisphere better. Parthan also became aware of his less than perfect understanding of Indian history and culture, and afraid of becoming a strict follower of Western art, he enrolled in a course on comparative mythology at Bombay University in the early 80’s, working as a writer and an illustrator in his spare time. Having taken as sabbatical from painting during his stint at the Bombay University, he returned to painting again in the early 90’s.
Baiju Parthan’s works represent a desire for individuality and self-expression in a universe surrounded by uncertainty and disillusion. The newspapers, TV, and the Internet became his tools of knowledge. He is most often seen to work with watercolors and acrylics on canvas. In his recent solo exhibition, he has focused on the topic of limitations in recent times.
Baiju Parthan’s works have been shown across major art galleries in Delhi, Mumbai, Madras, Goa and Bangalore, as well as in London and Los Angeles on the International art stage. The artist lives and works in Mumbai.
~ NJS |
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