Brilliant Ideas Episode #22: N.S. Harsha

Works of Harsha newly invigorates traditional Indian miniature paintings and views the icons of the Hindu religion, which is one of the major religions of Indians, in a new, modern way, to reconstruct overall traditions of the country. This does not mean that his works are against the traditions. Though he does not actively participate in rituals, events, or other religious activities held around the country, Harsha regards them important and worships the tradition of the country that he was raised in. Furthermore, the Indian traditions exist at the deep roots of the artist as one of the major elements that constitutes him.
The reason that the artist adds a new breath to the traditional Indian miniature paintings is due to his interest in what is modern, which renders him to feel deep affection for minimal abstract paintings, or to be inspired by Japanese manga. Trying to maintain an awakened point of view, Harsha also believes that the traditional culture matters, looking at how the inner characteristics of religions monopolizes people’s lives. Therefore, Harsha’s artworks keep the form of the traditional miniature paintings, while describing events around the world and in everyday lives of India, as if telling a story. This storytelling of the artist shows the viewers what is going on around the world in an eccentric yet brilliant way.

“I fill my work with gaps and loose ends; I want to lead and mislead the viewer”: A bit whimsical remark of Harsha reflects his thoughts included in his works. Saying that he starts to create artworks inspired by vague thoughts occurring from everyday experiences, the artist asserts that artworks do not always tell clear stories. The intended vagueness in his works makes them more interesting, and the artist himself seems to enjoy it.
Seen at a distance, works of Harsha seems vague as well as plain without any special features; up close, the works tell hundreds of stories and mysteries. This figuratively shows the state of India, which is, when largely seen, a country with a large population, while inside it is filled with people living there and stories of each of them. <Mooing Here and Now>, created in 2014, is a painting piece without a marked finish or regular form, in which a diver connects a milking device to a cow, and an elephant follows the cow. This illustrates the relationship between human and animals, which is closely related to the religions and industries in the Indian society, where technology is developing increasingly. The surreal image on the outside also demonstrates the economy and cultures of India on its other side, revealing the characteristic of Harsha’s works.

Born in 1969, an Indian artist N.S. Harsha presents rich colored acrylic paintings, reinterpreting India’s traditional miniature paintings. On a huge ground, he creates complicated relations between people with exquisite and bold brush work. His figures have a little bit sly inclination. On the other hand, they are interested in other people, something powerful and unique and in strange and non-matching incidents in the world. His painting draws various life modes of Indian people; meanwhile, the artist’s site-specific sculptures show strong political views.
N.S. Harsha, now lives and works in Mysore, India. Even though he did not study fine arts at a young age, he has held a number of exhibitions including solo exhibitions at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Victoria Miro Gallery. He has also been a part of the Singapore Biennale 2006, 2nd Fukuoka Asian Art Triennial 2002, and won the Artes Mundi Prize, creating an impressive career in the art world.