Archana Karunakaran’s first solo art exhibition shows people, emotions and sculptures in different genres
Archana Karunakaran’s first solo art exhibition shows people, emotions and sculptures in different genres
Arulmozhi Varman – the charming prince of the Chola dynasty and the central character of the classic ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ – walks out of a larger-than-life canvas at an ongoing art exhibition. Dentist and self-taught artist Archana Karunkaran has displayed 32 paintings in her first solo art show, which was inaugurated by directors Mani Ratnam and Suhasini Mani Ratnam on Thursday evening in Chennai. “I have a Ponniyin Selvan painting and that” [Mani Ratnam] currently working on film Ponniyin Selvan: I, We hooked up on that,” says Archana, adding that the couple liked her work and even bought some of her paintings.
The collection on display includes three series, among others. While a black and white series captures people and emotions, Arcana’s Zentangle series presents majestic animals such as elephants and lions in intricate detail. “I work with acrylic on canvas, finisher on paper, watercolor and a little oil,” says Archana, before pausing to talk about her series on sculptures from South India. “Most of the idols, be it Nataraja, Ganesha or Hanuman, are monochromatic in gold or brass. What would these subjects look like when lit in a riot of colors? I’ve explored this concept in vivid colors.”
Archana’s work can be followed on Instagram at her handle @surreal.impressions.
The exhibition is on till Sunday from 10.30 am to 6 pm at CP Art Centre, Alwarpet.