Last weekend, while crowds carried Ganesha idols to Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar for immersion, art enthusiasts found themselves immersed in a different kind of magic— the enchanting world of calligraphy, meticulously crafted by the distinguished artist Parameshwar Raju.
The occasion was the launch of an extraordinary book, “The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju,” held at Hotel Marigold. The event brilliantly spotlighted Parameshwar alongside Koeli Mukherjee Ghose, who has expertly chronicled his journey.
Weighing in at a substantial four kilograms, the 425-page tome is a treasure trove featuring 457 images of Parameshwar’s original works. Koeli’s detailed narrative offers an insider’s peek into his 40-year journey, providing a perspective only a fellow artist and skilled storyteller can render. The book is much more than a mere biography; it is a thorough exploration of his life and art.
Koeli recounted a poignant episode that also serves as the book’s opening chapter. During a train journey, Parameshwar, absorbed in his art, sat cross-legged in his seat, working magic with his calligraphy pen. His effortless mastery of the thin-thick-thin strokes enchanted curious onlookers and fellow passengers alike.
Drawing inspiration from traditional symbols, myths, and ancient motifs, Parameshwar’s work seamlessly blends these elements with a modern sensibility. The book’s pages come alive with images of Ganesha, Krishna, Anantashayana Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, Anjaneya, Vanaras, and more. Each image captivates with striking red minimalism. Parameshwar’s mastery of the intricate art of pothis (meticulously detailed scrolls) is notable; this challenging form requires acute control over space and proportion, adding another dimension to his artistry.
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwar embarked on his artistic journey with the Devanagari script. As he delved deeper into his cultural heritage, his work evolved into rich pictorial narratives reflecting his roots. From the sacred symbol of Aum, he gradually integrated deities and elements like vahanas (vehicles) and ayudhas (weapons) into his calligraphy. Over the past two decades, he has breathed life into Puranic lore through his art, earning him distinction in Hyderabad and global acclaim.
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In the book, Koeli elaborates on how Parameshwar embraced the inherent constraints of calligraphy, elevating what could have been limitations into a celebrated art form. Parameshwar’s adherence to precise thin-thick-thin strokes and consistent use of the color red, symbolizing Shakti, have created stunning visual narratives. His art spans from Puranic lore and childhood memories to contemporary icons, beautifully encapsulated in the book.
Koeli’s initial encounter with Parameshwar was in 2003, when she was an art curator. Recalling the moment at the event, she shared how his work instantly dissolved her stress, drawing her deeper into his calming art. She mentioned that despite her curiosity, Parameshwar rarely explained his work, leading her to undertake her own research to understand his forms and nuances. This journey, albeit long, culminated in her producing a comprehensive chronicle of Parameshwar’s vast body of work.
Parameshwar humorously pointed out the challenge of explaining the creative process. “An idea doesn’t come to an artist through divine intervention,” he explained. “It emerges from many observations over time, forming an image in our minds, which we then draw. Holding forth an explanation of that process is difficult, so I leave the writing part to Koeli,” he added with a laugh.
Koeli’s efforts in promoting Parameshwar’s art have not gone unnoticed. She emphasized how his work has made India proud, placing the country on the global map of calligraphy and contemporary art. According to her, Parameshwar single-handedly initiated a movement and a genre of his own.
“The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju,” priced at ₹14,999, is more than just a compilation; it’s a journey through the transformative power of art, symbolizing the confluence of tradition and modernity.
For orders, interested readers may contact 9848622820 or 9652666775.
Published – September 24, 2024, 04:48 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus / arts (general) / Hyderabad / books and publishing
