About JMS Mani
JMS Mani (1949–2021) was a renowned artist from Bengaluru, Karnataka, known for his vibrant paintings that captured the essence of rural South India. He began his artistic journey in 1974 at the Ken School of Art under RM Hadapad, who greatly influenced his style and approach to art. Over his career, Mani explored various themes, from nature-inspired abstractions to expressive depictions of landscapes and people.
Mani’s most celebrated work is the Badami Series, inspired by the town of Badami, which was also RM Hadapad's hometown. This series beautifully portrays the simplicity of daily life in rural South India. His paintings depict scenes like women selling fruits, balloon sellers, and people engaged in everyday tasks. Using the impasto technique, Mani layered colors to create vivid textures that bring the landscapes and people of Badami to life. Common motifs in his work include bananas, kites, flowers, and roosters, which add charm and authenticity to his compositions. His figures, modeled in a three-dimensional form with bold brushstrokes, reflect a blend of Indian culture and Western artistic styles.
In addition to the Badami Series, Mani worked on diverse themes, including his Mother and Child series, and experimented with mediums such as sculpture, printmaking, etching, watercolor, and mixed media. His ability to balance simplicity with artistic depth made his work resonate with audiences worldwide.
Mani’s contributions to art were widely recognized. He received the Karnataka State Award in 2006 and twice won the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Award. Throughout his career, he held 19 solo exhibitions in cities like Bengaluru, London, Singapore, New York, and Hong Kong. He also participated in 43 group exhibitions, including the SAARC Exhibition at Chitra Kala Parishath and the Bharat Bhavan International Biennale of Prints.
Beyond creating art, Mani was dedicated to teaching and served as the principal of his alma mater, the Ken School of Art, until his retirement in 2007. His works are part of notable private and public collections, reflecting his enduring impact on the art world.
JMS Mani’s legacy lies in his ability to showcase the beauty and simplicity of rural life with vivid colors and textures. He passed away in June 2021, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire.