Latest news with #RajaRaviVarma
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Muscat to host grand tribute to Raja Ravi Varma
Muscat is set to witness a spectacular audio-visual production titled 'Kadha Parayum Chithrangal' - The Pictures That Speak (A Unique Story of Colours and Canvases) — a creative homage to world-renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The programme will be staged on three specially arranged platforms on August 22 and 23. The Malayalam version will premiere on August 22, followed by the Hindi rendition, 'Bolthi Tasveerem', with multilingual subtitles, on August 23. Rehearsals are in full swing for this unique theatrical celebration. The programme brings to life the story and works of Raja Ravi Varma, who was born in the Kilimanoor Palace near Thiruvananthapuram in the 19th century. Famed for blending Western techniques with Indian themes, Ravi Varma revolutionised Indian art with his lifelike oil paintings of mythological and royal figures. In this innovative format, characters from his iconic paintings take the stage, drawing viewers into the emotional and cultural depth of his artworks. The production offers a rich narrative journey through the painter's tumultuous life, using light, sound and dramatic visuals to convey the timeless beauty and struggles behind his masterpieces. The programme is produced by Bhavalaya, conceptualised by Dr J Retnakumar, and presented by Global Events. Directed by acclaimed stage artiste, director and choreographer Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair, the show incorporates 71 carefully curated scenes. These include well-known works like Galaxy of Musicians, Hamsa Damayanti and Shakuntala, with musical interludes composed by Ronnie Raphael and background scores by Rama Varma Thampuran, a descendant of the Kilimanoor royal lineage. As part of the tribute, a painting competition inspired by Ravi Varma's works will be held in early August for both citizens and residents of Oman. Over 120 performers and 100 backstage crew members from Muscat will bring this epic to life, joined by Indian film star Moksha. Speaking to the Observer, director Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair shared, 'Through this audio-visual journey, we aim to introduce Raja Ravi Varma's genius to a new generation, ensuring that his legacy lives on not just as paintings, but as living, breathing stories.'
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Breaking Stereotypes
Printmaking in India has a long history. In the late 15th century, Portuguese in Goa started printmaking in the country. It was, however, Raja Ravi Varma and Nandalal Bose who popularised the Singh, director of the Art Incept Gallery, believes that the artistic value of printmaking has not been properly explored by art enthusiasts. Instead, even in today's world, people still consider the medium less original than painting or making sculptures. A new exhibition 'Original Shadows', curated by her gallery, challenges the convention by showcasing the artworks of 14 printmakers. 'Printmaking is often misunderstood — seen as either too academic or too traditional. But that's precisely why we felt compelled to present a show that repositions it in the contemporary context. It is a medium that lends itself beautifully to experimentation with surfaces, techniques, and repetition, and yet allows for deep conceptual exploration. That is why 'Original Shadows' is born. It challenges the common misconceptions around printmaking — that it's mechanical, repetitive, or somehow less 'original' than painting or sculpture,' she says. Artistic freedom For Singh, printmaking offers multiple perspectives. It democratises art and allows the artists to talk about their material reality. Hence, it draws a connection with the present-day crises that artists face. 'At this moment, where so many emerging artists are returning to materiality and process, we're seeing a resurgence in print-based practices. Many of the artists in this show use the medium to speak about memory, displacement, ecological change, and personal stories — themes that are very much of our time.' While talking about the artists, Singh believes that in this exhibition, they have focussed on process, patience, and precision, and have pushed all the boundaries that they could have pushed–not only in terms of technique but also conceptually. The director praises the works of Isha Sharma, a young printmaker, whose works are winning hearts. ''Her work is deeply rooted in memory and personal history. Sharma works with family photographs — not simply to replicate them, but to interrogate and reimagine them. These photographs are her starting points, but her true subject is the emotional terrain they represent: loss, absence, intimacy, and the fragile nature of memory." Adding further, Singh notes, 'In the work presented here, she uses printmaking not only as a technical process but as a poetic language. Her prints are quiet yet haunting, layered with subtle marks and tones that evoke the aesthetics of aged photographs. There's a blend of vintage visual language and contemporary sensibility. The body language, the tilt of a head, or the curve of a shoulder — these become carriers of unspoken emotion, drawing the viewer into a space of reflection.' 'Original Shadows' is on view at the Art Incept Gallery in Gurugram from 11 am to 6.30 pm till August 30
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Australian's Foreign Minister Penny Wong announces 34 recipients of Maitri Grants
Canberra [Australia], July 13 (ANI): Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has announced 34 recipients of this year's Maitri Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships. The Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants, administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, aim to support greater exchange and collaboration with India across technology, business, education and culture, according to the statement. The statement said, 'Each project will cultivate deeper connections between our two countries, including: The Lowy Institute's first-ever India Chair, which will lift the quality of research and conversations around India's role as a major power in the Indo-Pacific region. Best-practice playbooks by Asialink Business to support collaboration, capability training and the sharing of successful partnership models in cleantech and agtech.' 'A world-class exhibition featuring rare artworks by renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. An incubator of untold narratives from Australia's South Asian diasporas that will showcase Australian-Indian experience to global screen audiences, led by Bodhi Studios,' it added. The 2024-2025 Maitri Grants include 13 Maitri scholarships supporting innovative research across fields like quantum computing technologies and clean energy solutions, and three Maitri fellowships dedicated to exploring opportunities between Australia. The statement said, 'Australia and India's relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations' futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology.' The recipients of the 2025 Maitri Grants will support connections and research across a wide range of sectors, including innovation, enterprise, education and culture. Administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Maitri grants encourageinnovative projects and partnerships that reflect the dynamism of the bilateral relationship, fostering long-term connections, according to the Australian High Commission in India press release. Welcoming the announcement, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, said, 'Australia's relationship with India is stronger, deeper and more consequential than ever - and its future holds even greater promise. At the heart of this relationship are the people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The Maitri Grants program builds on these ties, helping unlock the full potential of our bilateral relationship.' 'I congratulate this year's recipients and look forward to seeing how their work helps foster deeper links between Australia and India,' he added. (ANI)
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat to stage tribute to art legend Raja Ravi Varma
Muscat – Muscat is set to host a unique stage production celebrating the life and work of iconic Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, known for his Renaissance-style depictions of Indian mythology. Titled Katha Parayum Chithrangal (A Unique Story of Colours and Canvases), the show promises a cinematic experience combining light, sound, dance and drama. Scheduled to be held at Al Falaj Hotel Grand Hall, the Malayalam version will be staged on August 22, followed by a Hindi rendition, Bolti Tasveerein – Rangon aur Canvas ke Zariye Khulti Kahani, on August 23. Directed by Sunil Kumar Krishnan Nair, the 165-minute performance involves over 117 actors and technicians with rehearsals having commenced nearly six months ago. 'This is not just a performance; it is an emotion, a tribute to a man whose brush transformed still life into motion and emotion,' said Nair. 'We aim to introduce Raja Ravi Varma's genius to the younger generation and revive his artistic spirit in a contemporary way. To my knowledge, Oman has never seen a live drama show of this scale. We're telling stories through colour, canvas and soul – just as Ravi Varma did.' The production includes sets by stage designer Sujathan Master and music by composer Rony Raphael. A painting competition is also being organised as part of the show to encourage cultural dialogue and artistic expression open to artists of all nationalities in Oman. Artists from India will oversee makeup, costume and lighting, underlining the show's scale and ambition in presenting a multidimensional tribute to one of India's most celebrated painters.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Art towers near Tvm airport showcase state's rich heritage
T'puram: Passengers arriving at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport are in for a visual treat. The towers located on the bridge towards Chackai have been transformed into works of art to celebrate Kerala's rich heritage. Blending tradition with modernity, these paintings showcase the spirit of Kerala. Passengers are now greeted by a cascade of colours and culture. Each of the four towers features a unique theme. T ower one is a tribute to performing arts. From the fierce expression of Theyyam to the grandeur of Kathakali and the grace of Oppana, Margamkali, Pooram and Ratholsavam, the tower is a celebration of timeless traditions. Tower two journeys through Kerala's literary and wellness legacy. Beginning with Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language, the tower includes tributes to Malayalam script, Kalaripayattu, ayurveda and boat race. Tower three is a cultural window to Thiruvananthapuram itself. Landmarks such as Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, arattu procession through the airport, Beemapally, Palayam Church and artworks of Raja Ravi Varma take centre stage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Tower four is a representation of modern Kerala. Legislative assembly, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Technopark, Napier Museum and Vizhinjam port are highlighted here. The project was brought to life by renowned artists Ambili Thekkedathu and Sanu Krariyely.
