Astalakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi)

Bolgum Nagesh Goud was born in 1965. He did his GRADE “ A “ Maharastra Art Certificate 1987 with Distinction. He graduated with a B.F.A with University Gold Medal from College of Fine Arts, Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad in 1993. He has several solo shows to his credit notably “. Curation : “ Gaja” The Elephant Sculpture show 2020-at Hyderabad State Art Gallery, Hyderabad. He was awarded 2010 – “ AWARD “ by Hyderabad Art Society- All india Art exhibition 2010

The subject matter of Nagesh’s artwork is inspired by traditional leather puppetry. The works rejuvenate the visual interpretations of stories picked up from the epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. The ever so popular characters from the epics come to life in a new light and stance in his works. He creates an exquisite stage for his ‘Nayak’ and ‘nayika’ so that they can exemplify their strengths and spirits at the very best.

The known episodes and anecdotes from Mahabharata and Ramayana unfold to the viewers gradually in the paintings. He aptly arranges a huge portrait of one’ nayak’ in the centre of the composition and then creatively adorns him as well his surrounding sections with excerpts picked up from the characters contribution in taking story line of the popular epic ahead. The linear rhythm of the ‘thollu bommalata ‘gets recreated in his paintings and sculptures. The “Line” intricate and lyrical, bold and sensitive carves out the silhouettes of the figures and then turns inside the form to define the details in a specifically aesthetic and creative manner. The features of the characters are sharp, defined and finely chiseled. The huge, soulful, almond shaped eyes are the most prominent feature of the portraits. The line boldly yet lyrically runs over the coloured areas and while doing so it connects the different colour planes into a single entity, weaving them together with intricate patterns, floral clusters, motifs and suggestive jewelry.