NVYA CONTEMPORARY

Ramesh Gorjala

Andhra Pradesh, India

Ramesh Gojrala was born (1979) in Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. Gorjala was born into a family of weavers, and at a young age he learned Kalamkari art from his uncle. After mastering this traditional form, he went on to earn a degree and masters degree in fine arts from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University in Hyderabad. His original artwork now combines tradition and modernity with effortless ease, bringing gods and goddesses to life in a fresh approach. Gorjala’s art is unique in its rendition of Indian mythological figures, including Krishna, Vishnu and Ganesha. The large bodies of these Hindu deities fill up the canvas, while their skin becomes the stage for ancient tales acted out by intricately painted figures—each painting literally contains stories within stories. The typical kalamkari process of using a fine pen to accentuate block-printed colors is evident in his work, and he primarily paints in red, orange, brown, blue and gold. The artist has held many solo exhibitions and participated in various group shows in India and abroad. The artist lives and works in Tirupati / Hyderabad.