CHENNAI: When Puducherry-based artist Kothainayaki S collaborates with her husband, Silambarasan K, it is always a special moment for both of them. This time, the duo comes together with two other artists from Puducherry, Mounissamy C and Radjoucannane R, to present a group exhibition titled Art Fusion: Quartet in Colour. The show brings together diverse artistic styles that blend traditional techniques with contemporary expression.
Kothainayaki is a self-taught artist with a background in anthropology. Inspired by masters such as Gustav Klimt and Vincent van Gogh, her practice focuses on translating sculpture into drawing, exploring how three-dimensional forms can be reimagined on a two-dimensional surface.
My drawings are inspired by sculptures. Many sculptures in temples and other places are deteriorating and cannot be restored. So I try to protect their essence by translating them into another medium. What exists in three dimensions, I convert into twoKothainayaki
Through lines and tonal variations, her work captures the strength, rhythm and emotion of sculptural surfaces, giv- ing them a new visual language while preserving their classical spirit. Connecting tradition with contemporary thought, she also reinterprets familiar symbols. “In Shiva temples, Nandi is usually seen in a sitting posture. In my paintings, I depict Nandi standing, which creates curiosity among viewers,” she explains.
Her husband, Silambarasan K, a watercolour artist with 18 years of experience, presents a series inspired by the sadhus of Varanasi. “When I visited Varanasi, I was deeply inspired by their lives. They renounce worldly comforts in search of spiritual truth. Through my paintings, I try to capture their mood and inner state,” he says.
Strongly influenced by Indian culture, rural life, temples and human emotions, Silambarasan works with transparent colours and flowing forms. “I focus on simplicity, atmosphere and subtle contrasts rather than heavy detail. In this exhibition, we want the audience to feel colours as emotions and see colours as something that connects us all,” he adds.
The exhibition also features Mounissamy C, whose work reflects the lives, beliefs and symbols of early communities. Using rocks as his canvas, he treats rock art as a priceless cultural treasure. His practice aims to preserve cultural memory, educate local communities and safeguard indigenous art forms for future generations. Completing the quartet is Radjoucannane R, who draws inspiration from butterflies. Observing their intricate patterns, he recreates them in his own non-formal style. Viewing the butterfly as a metaphor for the gentle nature of humanity, especially women, he expresses these ideas through soft acrylic hues of pinks and blues. His works reflect inner emotions meant to endure beyond time.