Artists Directory >L. Munuswamy

" It was not that I was anxious to do something to shock people. Nor did I get unduly influenced by some of the moderns. It was the struggle for discovery of myself that brought me face with various issues of style enunciated by the masters of Europe. I have been influenced by the Impressionists, yes, but in this way: They kindled in me the already existing, dormant craving to paint the impression of a thing, and not a copy of it.

But the basic character of the native indigenous philosophy, a way of thinking, is always there. In spite of the fact that I have been through all these different phases - Impressionist, Fauvist, Cubist, Surrealist Minimalist - I have never suspected my nationality. Only If I suspect my nationality does the question of Indianness arise. There is no need to suspect myself.

There is a strong section of thinkers who believe that national identity is very essential. Perhaps I should explain where I disagree with them. I believe that all relevant and suitable aspirations will assert themselves in the natural course of evolution and will ultimately establish themselves.

Then you will have a phase of creative activity, freely evolved, which is bound to be Indian and international at the same time. In fact I feel that I am richer by far, for I have almost the bulk of the work done in the last 30 years and more, which is the greatest treasure that I have inherited. It rejuvenates me into further activity. I enjoy looking at my own self in different pieces of myself. I am as excited as I was 30 or 40 years back. I feel more exuberant and open to all that is wonderful in life."

Chronology 

Born : 1927
1953 : Diploma in Painting with First Class from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai
1956-1957 : Government of India Cultural Scholarship for research in painting (Post-diploma training in painting).
1958 : Joined the staff of the government college of Arts and Crafts
1963-1964 : Scholarship under Colombo Plan to study graphic at Bournmouth, U.K.
1968 : National Award, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
1976 : State Award from the Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, Chennai.
1979 : Participated in the Artists' Camp organised by the Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, at Ootty.
1982 : Invited to take part in the workshop and seminar at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal. 
1982 : Serves on the jury for the Tamil Nadu Ovai Nunkalai Kuzhu Annual Exhibition.
1982 : Appointed member of the Advisory Board for the Hyderabad College of fine Arts and Architecture.
1983 : Member of the syllabus committee for art in schools, NCERT, New Delhi.
1983 : Participated in the All India Painters' Camp at Thrissur, Kerala, under the auspices of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
1984 : Invited to take part in the Southern Artists' camp, organised by the Tamil University at Thanjavur.
1984 : Serves on the jury and the selection committee for the National Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. Also holds such high profile positions as Principalship of the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, and membership of the Advisory Board for the College of Architecture and Sculpture, Mamallapuram.

Collections

National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, 
Contemporary Art Gallery, Government Museum, Chennai, 
Campus Museum, Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai
Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, 
Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu, Chennai
Tamil University, Thanjavur,
Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi and a number of the other private and public collection in India and abroad.