Posted on 12 April 2025:
R B Bhaskaran: An Artistic Visionary Who Redefined Creativity
R B Bhaskaran, a name synonymous with artistic excellence, is a pioneering figure who reshaped India’s art landscape. Born in 1942 in Chennai into a family brimming with creativity, Bhaskaran embarked on a journey to master his craft. His artistic education was robust, including advanced painting at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, and training in fresco painting at the Banasthali Vidyapeeth in Rajasthan. Adding an international dimension to his expertise, he studied Lithography and Ceramics in Israel under a UNESCO scholarship.
As a former principal of the prestigious Government College of Fine Arts and the College of Art in Kumbakonam, and the ex-chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, renowned artist Bhaskaran dedicated more than six decades to his art. His influence during the Madras Art Movement of the 1960s was monumental. He challenged the ‘Nativism’ ideology propagated by K.C.S. Paniker, which suggested integrating Indian motifs and themes into art. Bhaskaran’s rebellion against such constraints fostered a bold, innovative approach that emphasized universal creativity over cultural exclusivity.
Celebrated globally, Bhaskaran’s legacy is not just in his paintings but also in his principles. He continues to champion discipline, structure, and reinvention—not only on canvas but also in everyday life. His art serves as a testament to his refusal to conform, inspiring generations to embrace originality and growth.
Through his unparalleled contributions, R B Bhaskaran remains a towering figure who not only chronicled India’s evolving art scene but also shaped how society views artists and their craft today. His story is an enduring celebration of passion, innovation, and artistic rebellion.
R B Bhaskaran: The Revolutionary Modernist of Indian Art
Renowned artist R B Bhaskaran’s journey in art is a tale of discipline, innovation and rebellion. As the Principal of the College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, and later as the chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, his contributions to the Indian art world have been immense. Bhaskaran’s work radiates an effortless brilliance that reflects the discipline instilled during his training at Banasthali Vidyapeeth in Rajasthan. His canvases, reminiscent of the greats like Velázquez and Picasso, balance free-expression with dynamic precision, creating a beauty that stands uniquely apart.
“I was taught that Indian paintings should look Indian. But I battle with ideas, challenging the self which rushes out onto the canvas, to integrate into a sympathetic form,” eminent artist R B Bhaskaran once shared.
His words perfectly encapsulate his artistic philosophy. As one of the leading figures of the Modern Indian Art Movement, Bhaskaran’s vision was transformative. He argued against confining art to traditional motifs and themes rooted in Indian history, advocating for a universal approach to creativity. Yet, his work remains subtly infused with elements that unmistakably echo Indian art—a harmonious blend of rebellion and respect.
Bhaskaran’s art is particularly striking in its Indian context. While he boldly rejected the notion that contemporary art must adhere to a distinctly Indian identity, he did not entirely discard those quintessentially Indian motifs. Instead, he reinterpreted them, crafting masterpieces that resonate both locally and globally. RB Bhaskaran’s legacy is a vibrant celebration of originality, making him an enduring icon in the world of art.
R B Bhaskaran: A Legacy Rooted in Nature and Culture
RB Bhaskaran’s art carries the whispers of ancient civilizations and the vibrant energy of nature. His paintings, often drawing inspiration from tribal makeup and motifs, tell stories in shadows and light.
“My paintings will remind you of the elaborate facial makeup done by some African tribes,” he shares.
With deep shadows and distant light striking one side of the face, his works embody sensitivity and quiet contemplation. Tribal icons and motifs—symbols of a timeless culture—resonate throughout his canvas, reflecting a harmonious connection with nature.
Bhaskaran believes art speaks for itself; he never sought to explain or impose meanings on his audience. His philosophy invites viewers to explore, question and feel—an approach that has defined his artistic journey. Having showcased his works in over 60 exhibitions across India, the UK, and the Netherlands, Bhaskaran’s influence stretches far beyond borders.
The Enigmatic World of R B Bhaskaran’s Art
Eminent artist R. B. Bhaskaran’s art is a celebration of versatility and individuality. Known for his iconic series on cats and couples, Bhaskaran chooses to let his creative instincts flow freely, dismissing the need to consciously embed an Indian cultural identity in his work. For him, cultural expression is a natural consequence of his artistic journey, not a deliberate endeavor. Bhaskaran’s artistic repertoire traverses diverse genres, boldly revisiting western traditions like still life and portraiture. However, it is his remarkable ‘cat’ series that has etched his name deeply in the art world, both in India and abroad. His cats are not mere depictions of felines—they transform into mythical beings. Twisted, elongated, and brimming with tension, these creatures gaze piercingly at their audience, evoking mystery and wonder.
This inspiration sprang to life years ago, when a stray cat found its way into Bhaskaran’s studio, sparking a timeless series that continues to captivate hearts and minds.
His feline muses, however, hold a special place in his artistic narrative, much like the horses of M. F. Husain and Sunil Das.
A master of versatility and meaning, R B Bhaskaran stands as a prodigious artist whose works continue to enthrall and inspire audiences across generations.
R. B. Bhaskaran’s artistic vision is a bridge between tradition and innovation, where every stroke resonates with profound meaning.
Equally compelling is his series on marriage portraits, which captures the essence of relationships with profound beauty and depth.
His mixed media masterpiece “Couple,” inspired by cherished marriage photographs, captures not just memories but the layered narratives they carry. Through this series, Bhaskaran explores the intricate dance of perceptions—the image couples wish to present to the world, the dynamic they share in private, and the interplay between Western photographic practices and ancient Indian miniature art. These reflections breathe life into his work, making it timeless and thought-provoking.
Equally captivating are his creations inspired by Ilayaraja’s evocative poems, blended to form art that feels deeply mystical.
Eminent artist Bhaskaran’s use of luminous colors, dots and strong graphic elements lends a decorative charm to his paintings, while the raw honesty of his depictions imbues them with a sense of spiritual depth.
Today, he lives and works in Chennai, leaving behind a legacy that bridges tradition and innovation, nature and humanity, culture and artistic freedom. RB Bhaskaran’s story is not merely of art, but of life enriched by beauty and endless inspiration.
