 Mahesh Baliga
Born on 14 August 1982 in Mudubidri, Mangalore District, Karnataka, Mahesh Baliga did his BFA from the CAVA, Mysore University and currently he is final year post graduate student in painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S.University, Baroda. With no support base in his native village, Mahesh was initiated into art by a local painter, who used to paint icons in temples. Looking at those works, a young Mahesh thought that he would become a drawing teacher and took a certificate course in Drawing. Soon he decided to pursue art seriously and joined the CAVA.
The works of Mahesh Baliga resonate with the rhythm of the immediate. He is a painter of his surroundings. However, he does not make naïve very similitude of what he sees around. Adding a pinch of humor, Mahesh transforms the quotidian into surreal. This surrealism is not a direct outcome of his subconscious meanderings. The socio-political awareness of the artist comes to the fore as certain persisting concerns. He employs a very minimal narrative to establish or deconstruct the very notions of reality, perception and comprehension in art.
When did Mahesh Baliga come to know about his true calling?
“From childhood onwards I had an interest in drawing. My family members do not have an artistic background. However, considering my interest for drawing and painting, my parents allowed me to do a government certificate course that helped young people to become drawings teachers. But I was not satisfied with that kind of art education. So I went to do my graduation in painting from the CAVA, Mysore. And after joining the college I started working very seriously.”
Who were his early inspirations?
“My interest on art was developed by a local artist namely M.V.Bhatt who used to paint temple icons. I got interested in his activities and that was my first entry into the world of art. Then in CAVA teachers like Ullas Sanzir and Ramdas guided me towards a direction that they thought suitable for me. I would say, with Ullas Sanzir I had a special relationship and he inspired me to a different world of art.”
What were his early paintings like?
“CAVA has a very different kind of teaching practice. The teachers ask us to paint whatever we see around in our daily lives. So my first attempts were towards painting the locale. I painted a lot of landscapes and people in ordinary situations. I painted them with a subtle amount of humour. I think I have immensely enjoyed painting the locale life. Apart from painting, I did a lot of sculptural works also.”
Who are his role models in Indian art?
“If I look at my immediate surroundings, I would say N.S.Harsha and L.N.Tallur have influenced my visual thinking. At the same time, I am very much excited by the works of Sudhir Patwardhan, Prabhakar Barwe, Gieve Patel and so on. I like painterly works. So when I look at the western art history I find myself more comfortable with the works of Bonnard, Balthus, Morandi and so on.”
From Mangalore to Baroda- Has this relocation helped Mahesh in some ways?
“Baroda was a conscious choice for me. We had to submit a synopsis that detailed our purpose of studying in Baroda, along with the application. I clearly said there that I wanted a change of location badly. I wanted to see new people and live in a new environment. Baroda has helped me in several ways. The humor that I cherished during my graduate days came back. A work titled ‘Drawing Competition’ shows the famous Kamati Garden. People are seen there involved in various activities. Even a drawing competition is on there. I deliberately avoided the lovers’ corners in the garden as I thought it would have made the works too much nostalgic and romantic. I wanted to move away from that staid stereotype.”
How does Mahesh Baliga assess his works?
“It is a very difficult thing to do at this stage. I feel my works should be assessed by those people who see art seriously. I do a lot of paintings. These days I do a lot of combination works also. I want to deal with reality in terms of notion, perception and comprehension.”
What does he think about the art market?
“When I joined the art college, I had never thought of art market. But slowly you become aware of it. I feel art market does a lot of good for the young people like me. We are supported by this market and we are able execute our ideas. My brush with market, if I could say so, started when I came to study art in Baroda. Bangalore based Gallery Sumukha came forward to support my studies. That was a nice thing to happen.”
Where do we see Mahesh Baliga in coming two years?
“Again that is a difficult thing to say now. I will be working, definitely. My intention is to get more exposure in terms of art and life. I would like to get some international residencies so that I can see and experience more international art before I settle down with my works. It is a wish. But I am going to be here in the scene through my works.” |
