The Life and Legacy of Renowned Artist Kalpathi Ganpathi Subramanyan
Kalpathi Ganpathi Subramanyan, popularly known as KGS, was not just an artist, teacher, and public intellectual, but a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural depth. Born a century ago in Kerala, his journey from Palghat to Vadodara, passing through Chennai, Santiniketan, and Baroda, encapsulates the essence of India’s diversity and richness. Through his visual language, KGS offered a unique perspective on India’s historical and contemporary narratives, bridging the gap between colonial past and post-colonial realities.
Exploring the Idea of India
Delving into the depths of India’s identity, scholars like Sunil Khilnani, Romila Thapar, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, alongside KGS, raise the fundamental question of what it means to be Indian in today’s society. By tracing KGS’s artistic and political evolution, one gains insight into the essence of being Indian. My personal interactions with KGS, coupled with his vast body of work, provide a profound understanding of his artistic journey.
Set to be showcased at Chennai’s DakshinaChitra Museum from September 7 to December 1, the exhibition “Tale of Three Cities” features select drawings by KGS from Beijing, Oxford, and New York, offering a glimpse into his world of art and culture.
An Artistic Journey Rooted in History
Known affectionately as ‘Manida’ among friends and students, KGS’s impactful presence was felt in Chennai, where he held notable exhibitions at the Lalit Kala Academy and Focus Gallery in 2012. His interactions with artists and the public shed light on his vibrant storytelling and his deep connection to India’s colonial past.
Influences and Inspirations
KGS’s work is defined by its remarkable fluidity, stemming from his roots in the Palghat region of Kerala as a Tamil. His early life in Mahe, with its rich history of colonial resistance, influenced his artistic sensibilities. Moving to Chennai marked the beginning of his artistic journey, where he adopted the signature ‘Mani’ in Tamil, a testament to his cultural heritage.
Joining Santiniketan under the mentorship of luminaries like Nandalal Bose and Benode Behari Mukherjee shaped KGS’s artistic vision. His experiences in Santiniketan, especially witnessing Nandalal Bose’s contributions to the Indian Constitution, left a lasting impact on his art, emphasizing empathy, dignity, and a commitment to India’s democratic values.
A Global Perspective
Transitioning to Baroda in 1951, KGS sought to reconcile India’s diverse cultural landscape in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s tragic assassination. His art embodied a dialogue between Gandhi and Tagore, emphasizing democracy through debate, dissent, and decision-making. Through his global travels and artistry, KGS seamlessly integrated subcontinental aesthetics with universal themes, breaking down nationalistic barriers.
Reviving Cultural Education
KGS’s legacy extends beyond his art, as evident in his letters addressing aesthetic pedagogy in India. His vision for cultural education, reflected in his proposal to upgrade the sculpture training center in Mahabalipuram, provides a roadmap for enriching artistic traditions. Despite his passing in 2016, KGS’s impact on cultural education and artistic expression endures.
Don’t miss the “Tale of Three Cities” exhibition at the DakshinaChitra Museum from September 7 to December 1, a tribute to KGS’s enduring legacy.
The writer is a fellow of the Roja Muthiah Research Library, Chennai.