Padma Shri K Laxma Goud claims that art has been a part of his life ever since he was born. He was so sure that art would become his profession someday and he never shied away from working towards it.
Today, he is one of the most sought-after artists across the world and has successfully created a name for himself. Laxma was in the city recently to exhibit his paintings and sculptures as part of ‘An Inner Retrospective’ exhibition, organised by Gallery Sumukha.
A few of K Laxma Goud’s works
“Chennai is not new to me, as I’ve come here several times to exhibit my work. Since I’m also part of the art community in the country, I get to know a lot of several artists and the works done by them,” begins K Laxma Goud, adding, “It has been over 55 years, since I took up this profession!”
The award-winning artist has also worked with Doordarshan Kendra for over a decade. “Back then, art alone was not sufficient for survival — I was naturally finding it difficult to make ends meet. In 1974, Doordarshan was being set up and there was a vacancy for the post of graphic designer. Doordarshan aired instructions programs and I had created illustrations for them. In my spare time, I indulge in creating art works. Slowly, my talent was recognised and several galleries were up for exhibiting my paintings,” he shares.
Later, Laxma was invited for setting up a post graduate Fine Arts College (now known as Sarojini Naidu school of Performing Arts, Fine Arts & Communication) as the Head of the Department. He retired as the Dean of the school in 2001. “My health took a toll and I had to retire. That is when I began thinking about working full-time as an artist. Today, I’ve done several group and solo shows across the country and in foreign countries like Peru, Brazil and Germany. Further, I also have a permanent gallery in Peabody Museum in Boston, USA,” he quips.
His current exhibition titled ‘An Inner Retrospective’ is a collection of work that includes water colours, acrylics, black and white and sculptures too. Elaborating more about it, he asserts, “I make the sculptures in clay, which is then transferred into metal plates. Apart from this, there are also mixed media paintings along with pencil drawings. This particular exhibition has over 100 works spanning 50 to 70 years. In short, this exhibition will show you the glimpses of how a person has developed.”
Explaining his association with Dr. Pramila Devi, he says, “I met her two years back and she offered me to put out a show of the same name in Bengaluru. The Chennai edition will have newer additions, which include etching, ink drawing and art on metal plates.” Laxma, who claims art to be his favourite medium, has won several awards in the country and in foreign as well. “For any artist, awards don’t mean anything. People work hard to achieve in their respective fields. In the end, what remains is the love of the people who admire my work,” the 77-year-old explains and signs off.
(The exhibition will be held till November 21 at LalitKala Academy )
