C. DAKSHINAMOORTHY

Bio

Dakshinamoorthy, as a modern master, belongs to a generation of progressive artists of the late 1950s and the early 1960s in Madras (current Chennai), the artistic centre of South India. It was indeed a significant period in time in the modern art history of India in general and specifically South India, whereby artists were on an undaunted search or pursuit to express the modernity within their thoughts and inspirations via the embracement of the rich artistic tradition that they were readily endowed with in India. 

The artist graduated from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, in 1966. Later, as a British Council scholar, he completed a post-graduation course in Advanced Printmaking at the Croydon College of Design and Technology in 1978.

Dakshinamoorthy is inspired by observing the people around him, particularly their unique pattern of behaviour, expression of moods, postures and gestures. His visual vocabulary derives mainly from Ayyanar figures and African sculptures and is expressed in various media including different kinds of stones, ceramics and bronze. A versatile artist, Dakshinamoorthy also paints in mixed media, acrylics, crayons, watercolours and ink on paper and canvas.

The artist’s first solo exhibitions were held in London and Croydon in 1978, and he has since shown his work in cities like Buenos Aires, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi. Amongst his honours and achievements are a National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 1986; the Mysore Dasara Award in 1972; and State Awards from the Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai, in 1963 and 1965.