About Nagesh Goud
Bolgum Nagesh Goud, born in 1965 in Hyderabad, is an accomplished Indian artist recognized for his unique style inspired by traditional leather puppetry and the great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a gold medal from the College of Fine Arts at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad in 1993. Before that, he earned a Distinction in the Maharashtra Art Certification in 1987.
Nagesh's artwork primarily draws from the stories and characters of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He reinterprets these ancient tales through a modern lens, bringing popular characters like the heroes (nayak) and heroines (nayika) to life in a vibrant and contemporary style. His works are known for their complex detailing and the way they rejuvenate these timeless stories, offering viewers a fresh perspective on familiar narratives.
In his compositions, Nagesh often places a central figure, usually a prominent character from the epics, and surrounds them with scenes and details from their stories. This arrangement highlights the character's role in the epic and invites viewers to explore the deeper narratives embedded within the artwork. The linear rhythm of traditional leather puppetry, known as "Tholu Bommalata," is recreated in his paintings and sculptures. His use of line is particularly noteworthy - both intricate and lyrical, bold and sensitive - creating silhouettes and defining the details of his characters in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
One of the most striking features of Nagesh's portraits is the depiction of the characters' eyes - large, soulful, and almond-shaped. These eyes and other sharp and finely chiseled features add a distinct emotional depth to his work. He uses bold lines to connect different colored areas within his paintings, weaving them together with intricate patterns, floral clusters, motifs, and suggestive jewelry. This technique creates a sense of unity and coherence within the artwork, making the entire composition feel like a single, harmonious entity.
Nagesh's works also reflect the influence of traditional Indian art forms like Paithani and Kalamkari, yet he incorporates elements of modern art to create something uniquely his own. His use of strong colors, defined curvaceous forms, and detailed imagery makes his art visually striking. He often alternates between monochromatic scales and vivid shades to create a sense of balance in his compositions.
Nagesh has held several solo exhibitions throughout his career, including notable shows like "A Perfect Tale" at Tulika Arts Gallery in Mumbai (2012), and its subsequent iterations in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He also curated "Gaja," an elephant sculpture show at the Hyderabad State Art Gallery in 2020. His contributions to the art world have been recognized with several awards, including one from the Hyderabad Art Society in 2010 and multiple accolades from JNTU.
Nagesh Goud's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and artist camps across India and internationally. His art is part of several important private collections, and he continues to live and work in Hyderabad, where he creates artworks that blend tradition with modernity, bringing ancient stories to life in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
