Life and Culture in Tamil Nadu – A splash of watercolors by B. Pradeep

It’s all about the people and their culture. Rough, bold strokes splashed with bright watercolors on the canvas express the life of the people living in Tamil Nadu, a state well-known for its rich culture and art. An exhibition of watercolor paintings by artist B. Pradeep was held at the hotel Maison Perumal in Pondicherry from 25 February to 11 March.

May the best one win: A painting of cock fighting by B. Pradeep

Tamil Nadu has its own special elements for which it’s known for. One among those is the widely known dance form Bharatnatyam. This art form is considered very holy and exceptional and is learnt from childhood. B. Pradeep captured the moment by painting a little girl in an exquisite dance posture.

Some of the paintings showcased the day to day life of the people, like women working in the farm and people buying goods at the common market. Many paintings explore the cultural practices of the state. In Tamil Nadu culture, religion and life are interwoven and these factors are conveyed in the artist’s paintings. Some paintings of B. Pradeep feature God’s worshipped at the temple, idols brought out into the streets during special occasions where the scene is filled with dance, music, color, cheer and spiritual goodness among the people.

Cock fights and bull races are also one of the unique cultural practices, for which this side of the southern India is widely known. Artist Pradeep captured these moments in his paintings. These ancient games are popular among the villagers and are usually found to be very challenging.

The paintings were on display for a period of two weeks and played host to audience from all over the town, and outside.

Photos: Sooganya N and Sunitha Devi S

Sooganya N