Key Points to Enjoy N. S. Harsha’s Paintings
New Discoveries of “Charming” and Colorful Characters Upon Every Viewing
His works are populated by an eclectic cast of characters ranging from movie heroes and stars of contemporary art to Indian deities and animals. The painting Come Give Us a Speech (2008) alone depicts around 2,000 distinctively individual characters, allowing new discoveries on every viewing of a work which one could happily study all day.
Come Give Us a Speech (detail)
2008
Acrylic on canvas
182.9 x 82.9cm (x 6)
Humanised Future (detail)
2011
Acrylic on canvas
76 x 107cm
Private Collection
“Clues” in the Pictures Reveal the Stories
Repeated motifs appear over and over in his paintings. The more you keep these in mind upon viewing, the better and deeper an understanding you will have of the stories the work tells, alongside N. S. Harsha's own ideas.
Telescopes and Microscopes
Telescopes represent a “macro viewpoint” that takes a bird’s s-eye, long-range view of the world while microscopes are a metaphor for a “micro viewpoint” that focuses on the smaller details of everyday life. Keep these “micro” and “macro” perspectives in mind, and N. S. Harsha’s view as an observer will be revealed.
Seeker’s Paradise (detail)
2013
Acrylic on canvas
190 x 150 cm
Private Collection
Space
Cosmic motifs such as the “Earth” and “Milky Way” feature frequently in N. S. Harsha's paintings, suggesting that while carefully training his gaze on the day-to-day reality of Mysuru, the artist is also fascinated by the wider world, and the universe.
Mooing Here and Now (detail)
2014
Acrylic on canvas
190 x 150 cm
Collection: Arisawa Keita
Animals
Vibrant depictions of all kinds of fauna are a feature of Harsha’s works. Be sure to pay attention to the stories and fables that surround them, and their meaning. For example, why are the monkeys in the works pointing at the sky? The contemplation will provide a glimpse into little-known aspects of Indian life and culture, and the artist’s own ideas.
Raah Dhikhanaywale Thay, Hai, Rahengay (Those who show us the path were there, are here, will be there) (detail)
2014
Acrylic on Canvas
190 x 150 cm
Courtesy: Victoria Miro, London