Krishna Reddy worked a revolution in printmaking by discovering the method of printing numerous colours from a single metal plate. Experiments in the possibilities of simultaneous colour printing remained unpredictable until Krishna analysed the oil contents of inks and effected ways of controlling that. The impact was a reliable viscosity print: graphic artists could now work with the intensity of tones and range of colours in a single print.
That, along with the spirituality of his art, makes Krishna Reddy a legend in his lifetime. Santiniketan is only one of 250 universities to have him as an artist in residence. A museum in Bangalore devotes a wing to his prints. Paris and London, Ljubljana and Venice, Australia and Argentina, Morocco and China—biennales and triennales boast his retrospectives. Solo shows, multiple workshops, lectures, publications, portfolios—Krishna Reddy’s life is buzzing with activity. For Krishna, it is not enough to produce his art; one is responsible for sharing one’s knowledge, too.
This book is an attempt to portray this artist with a message. It is a study in the creativity of a master.
About the Author
Ratnottama Sengupta is currently Arts Editor of The Times of India. She has also taught mass communication students, and curated art exhibitions.
With essays on Krishna Reddy’s art by S.W. Hayter, Robert Blackburn, Richard Batholomew and Amitav Ghosh.
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