Collection: SHANKARA NARAYANAN.J

“Nothing is more beautiful than a line that brings out a form” – Mary Beth McKenzie

Combining strong bold lines with intricate details Shankara Narayanan in his artistic exploration illustrates on the canvas
images of south Indian rural life and mythological stories he grew up listening to.

His pen and ink renderings show his exceptional skill in interpreting narratives using just thick and thin linear strokes in
multiple ways creating strong areas of stark contrast. In his predominantly horizontal compositions he portray figures of rural
tribesmen in various day to day activities. The figures have chiseled faces with a well-defined jaw lines and almond-shaped
eyes with smooth, streamlined bodies. Each character emanates their own personality and their own way of filling space

His works have a natural sense of depth and space with the figures in the foreground nestled amidst rural landscapes or rustic
interiors. Sharp details amalgamated in a surreal setting bring out Shankara Narayanan’s deeply embedded thoughts on
mythology and religion.

His main inspirations are Rembrandt and AP Santhanaraj. Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro is evident in his stark contrast brought
about by his style of conjoining lines drawn very close together making it look hard and solid in contrast to the lighter areas
and smaller lines suggesting a varied texture and expression; while AP Santhanaraj’s figurative style is reflected in his form.

Visually dense and meticulously rendered Shankara Narayanan’s fluency of line exhibited in his pen and ink sketches is a
visual treat of fantasy and imagination.
Shankara narayanan.J graduated from Madras University,Government college of fine arts,Chennai.His recent shows include
solo show ‘’Perumbarak kodum’’(Ganesha’s Tusk).Exhibits Kadambari gallery(Dakshina chitra).Shankara narayanan.J lives and
work in Chennai.India