‘EQUUS & OTHER STORIES BY M NARAYAN ’, curated by art historian and scholar Uma Nair

Opening on Saturday at Bikaner House is Equus & Other Stories by versatile artist M. Narayan and curated by art historian and scholar Uma Nair.

Discovered by G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant 10 years ago, M.Narayan originally from Karnataka now living in Pune is an artist who has been painting for the past 40 years. His passion for painting horses at polo matches has created a series of paintings and drawings that are robust and relished and full of the motion of strength, vigour and speed.

G 20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant says,“ I liked the fact that Narayan painted the rural fabric of the people of his state Karnataka and that is what he did in Kerala too. ”

In the foreword to the catalogue Kant wrote, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing him for more than ten years, and my admiration for his work led me to facilitate his journey to Kerala, where I believed his keen eye for detail and experimentation with bold color would authentically capture the region’s stunning beauty. Narayan’s art bursts with emotion, reflecting a world seen through the lens of someone deeply connected to his roots. His distinctive use of bright colours and dynamic, versatile compositions communicate joy and celebration, breathing life into every canvas. The stories spun throughout his paintings allow visitors to travel over the varied terrain of rural India, dotted with the simplicity of daily events and the vividness of markets.”

Narayan’s show is divided into 3 series. The Equus series of paintings and drawings are both in colour and monochrome. The second set is the Kerala series created by Narayan according to his memories of a visit to Kerala after being sent by Amitabh Kant. The third series is the Karnataka series and Narayan’s portrait of Kempamma Devi is a stirring work created in color and monochrome.

Curator Uma Nair says “ Introduced to Kerala and its cultural rootedness, Narayan’s monochromatic as well as colored studies of Kathakali and Theyyam bring forth the importance of nuanced expressions and narratives. We are invited into the abhinaya sangeetam of Kathakali, the blend of raga and bhava. We are drawn into the exploration of the unique musical tradition of Kathakali, focusing on its distinct use of ragas, emotional expression (bhava), and structural frameworks. His Karnataka series too is a study in rural rhythms and love for the relic and the ritual of everyday living.”

“While many artists are at a loss for subjects to paint, Narayan knows no such difficulties. An enthusiastic traveller, and horse lover, he ventures to equine-specific locations to investigate natural marvels in the sport amidst the expansive sky which blankets all the action,” she continued.

Narayan said, “I feel that artists are both insiders as well as outsiders. As an artist,I am an observer as well as a participant. My forms of life are grounded in the game of the moment and the love that humans have for the beauty of horses. The relationship between the horses and the riders has always fascinated me. ”

The show EQUUS & OTHER STORIES will be inaugurated by Shri Amitabh Kant on 1st March 2025 and will run till 9th March 2025 at CCA Bikaner House Pandara Road.