Posted on 5 May 2025:
R. B Bhaskaran: An Artistic Visionary Who Redefined Creativity
R. B Bhaskaran, a name synonymous with artistic excellence, is a pioneering figure who reshaped India’s art landscape. Born in 1942 in Chennai into a family brimming with creativity, Bhaskaran embarked on a journey to master his art. His artistic education was robust, including advanced painting at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, and training in fresco painting at the Banasthali Vidyapeeth in Rajasthan. Adding an international dimension to his expertise, he studied Lithography and Ceramics in Israel under an UNESCO scholarship.
As a former Principal of the prestigious Government College of Art, Kumbakonam (1995–1997), Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai (1997–2001), and the ex-chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, renowned artist R.B Bhaskaran dedicated more than six decades to his art. His visionary approach led to reforms in art pedagogy, restructuring art education in institutions and universities across the country, ensuring that future generations could thrive in a modernized, dynamic artistic landscape.
Celebrated globally, R.B Bhaskaran’s legacy is not just in his paintings but also in his principles. He continues to champion discipline, structure and reinvention—not only on canvas but also in everyday life. His art serves as a testament to his refusal to conform, inspiring generations to embrace originality and growth.
A Rebel with a Cause
From his early days, R.B Bhaskaran carried an unapologetic confidence in his artistic prowess. With a rebellious spirit and an independent mind, he carved his own path, refusing to conform to conventional artistic norms. His audacity and vision earned him a place among the big league—a young artist already making waves in the art world. His tenure as Honorary Secretary of the South Indian Society of Painters was a testament to his leadership. Under his watch, the organization actively documented modern artistic movements in Madras leaving behind invaluable records of the creative shifts of the 1960s.
Guided by Legends
R.B Bhaskaran’s rise was guided by luminaries who shaped his artistic journey. The celebrated masters K.C.S. Paniker, R. Krishna Rao, L. Munuswamy, A.P Santhanaraj, H.V. Ram Gopal, among others, provided him with the wisdom and experience needed to become not just a great artist, but a sharp administrator. These early experiences sharpened his ability to lead, eventually preparing him to head the Government College of Arts and Crafts in the late 1990s. His tenure there, was marked by innovation and his leadership mirrored his own dynamic approach to art—bold, transformative and deeply connected to history. Through his unparalleled contributions, R. B Bhaskaran remains a towering figure who not only chronicled India’s evolving art scene but also shaped how society views artists and their craft today. His story is an enduring celebration of passion, innovation and artistic rebellion.
R. B Bhaskaran: The Revolutionary Modernist of Indian Art
Renowned artist R. B Bhaskaran’s journey in art is a tale of discipline, innovation and rebellion. His work radiates an effortless brilliance that reflects the discipline instilled during his training at Banasthali Vidyapeeth in Rajasthan. His canvases, reminiscent of the greats like Velázquez and Picasso, balance free-expression with dynamic precision, creating a beauty that stands uniquely apart.
“I was taught that Indian paintings should look Indian. But I battle with ideas, challenging the self which rushes out onto the canvas, to integrate into a sympathetic form,” eminent artist R. B Bhaskaran once shared.
His words perfectly encapsulate his artistic philosophy. As one of the leading figures of the Modern Indian Art Movement, Bhaskaran’s vision was transformative. He argued against confining art to traditional motifs and themes rooted in Indian history, advocating for a universal approach to creativity. Yet, his work remains subtly infused with elements that unmistakably echo Indian art—a harmonious blend of rebellion and respect.
R.B Bhaskaran’s art is particularly striking in its Indian context. While he boldly rejected the notion that contemporary art must adhere to a distinctly Indian identity, he did not entirely discard those quintessentially Indian motifs. Instead, he reinterpreted them, crafting masterpieces that resonate both locally and globally. R. B Bhaskaran’s legacy is a vibrant celebration of originality, making him an enduring icon in the world of art.
R. B Bhaskaran: A Legacy Rooted in Nature and Culture
R.B Bhaskaran’s art carries the whispers of ancient civilizations and the vibrant energy of nature. His paintings, often drawing inspiration from tribal makeup and motifs, tell stories in shadows and light.
“My paintings will remind you of the elaborate facial makeup done by some African tribes,” he shares.
With deep shadows and distant light striking one side of the face, his works embody sensitivity and quiet contemplation. Tribal icons and motifs—symbols of a timeless culture—resonate throughout his canvas, reflecting a harmonious connection with nature.
R.B Bhaskaran believes art speaks for itself; he never sought to explain or impose meanings on his audience. His philosophy invites viewers to explore, question and feel—an approach that has defined his artistic journey. Having showcased his works in over 60 exhibitions across India, the UK, and the Netherlands, Bhaskaran’s influence stretches far beyond borders.
The Enigmatic World of R. B Bhaskaran’s Art
In the late 1960s, R.B Bhaskaran embraced phenomenology, using it as a gateway to reimagine iconography and symbolism. His exploration evolved into a profound theme alluding to Life Cycles and procreation, where collective memory intertwined with his personal history. Through a fusion of imagination, nature and cultural reflections, his art became a deeply symbolic narrative.
R.B Bhaskaran carved his own artistic path within Madras Modern, asserting his individuality through symbolic and metaphorical imagery. The interplay of line, color and space in his works transcended traditional aesthetics, shifting beyond form into deeper cultural meaning. His journey mirrored Paniker’s ideology of ‘art for art’s sake,’ yet he infused it with select elements from nature and heritage, making his vision uniquely his own.
A Pioneer in Printmaking
In 1967, R.B Bhaskaran embarked on his journey into the graphic medium after winning a prestigious UNESCO scholarship to study at Inhoud, an artist community in Israel. His experiences abroad, particularly in the U.K. and Israel, exposed him to intaglio, lithography, and ceramics, setting the foundation for his groundbreaking innovations in printmaking.
At a time when printmaking was not widely explored in India, R.B Bhaskaran saw its potential and championed its modernization. Joining the Government College of Arts and Crafts as a teacher in 1970, he revitalized the printmaking department, restructuring the curriculum to meet international standards. By the mid-1970s, he had established a Diploma course in printmaking, ensuring that future artists could access cutting-edge techniques and creative possibilities.
From his student days, R.B Bhaskaran embraced the art of sculpting, experimenting with materials and techniques that shaped his creative vision. His passion for sculpture found full expression between 1992 and 1996, when he crafted stunning metal forms featuring cats, fish, birds, owls and abstract motifs.
R.B Bhaskaran’s sculptures were bold, imaginative and radiant, forged from copper and brass sheets and woven together with wire. He breathed life into his creations with brilliant enamel paint, embellishing them with colored stones and crystals, lending them a luminous, jewel-like charm.
Eminent artist R. B Bhaskaran’s art is a celebration of versatility and individuality. Known for his iconic series on cats and couples, R.B Bhaskaran chooses to let his creative instincts flow freely, dismissing the need to consciously embed an Indian cultural identity in his work. For him, cultural expression is a natural consequence of his artistic journey, not a deliberate endeavor. R.B Bhaskaran’s artistic repertoire traverses diverse genres, boldly revisiting western traditions like still life and portraiture. However, it is his remarkable ‘cat’ series that has etched his name deeply in the art world, both in India and abroad. His cats are not mere depictions of felines—they transform into mythical beings. Twisted, elongated and brimming with tension, these creatures gaze piercingly at their audience, evoking mystery and wonder.
This inspiration sprang to life years ago, when a stray cat found its way into R.B Bhaskaran’s studio, sparking a timeless series that continues to captivate hearts and minds.
His feline muses, however, hold a special place in his artistic narrative, much like the horses of M. F. Husain and Sunil Das.
A master of versatility and meaning, R. B Bhaskaran stands as a prodigious artist whose works continue to enthrall and inspire audiences across generations.
R. B Bhaskaran’s artistic vision is a bridge between tradition and innovation, where every stroke resonates with profound meaning.
Equally compelling is his series on marriage portraits, which captures the essence of relationships with profound beauty and depth.
His mixed media masterpiece “Couple,” inspired by cherished marriage photographs, captures not just memories but the layered narratives they carry. Through this series, Bhaskaran explores the intricate dance of perceptions—the image couples wish to present to the world, the dynamic they share in private, and the interplay between Western photographic practices and ancient Indian miniature art. These reflections breathe life into his work, making it timeless and thought-provoking.
Equally captivating are his creations inspired by Ilayaraja’s evocative poems, blended to form art that feels deeply mystical.
Eminent artist Bhaskaran’s use of luminous colors, dots and strong graphic elements lends a decorative charm to his paintings, while the raw honesty of his depictions imbues them with a sense of spiritual depth.
A Legacy in Motion
R.B Bhaskaran’s art was never static—it evolved, just as life does. His later works became a collage of themes, each carrying a piece of his journey. From life cycles to marriage rituals, from still-life compositions to untamed cats—his canvases breathed his reflections, experiences and emotions. Whether through his brushstrokes or his role as an administrator, R.B Bhaskaran remains an unforgettable force in the Indian art scene, a name that echoes through time, forever bold, forever brilliant.
A Master Who Inspires
For R.B Bhaskaran, artistry was not merely about creation—it was about relentless exploration.
Asma Menon, a renowned printmaker and one of his former students, aptly describes him as– The Artist, The Printmaker, The Educationalist, The Erudite—a figure whose wisdom and vision extend far beyond the canvas. Each interaction with him brought fresh insights, shaping the artistic journeys of those fortunate enough to learn from him.
“As a printmaker, he brought to life the zinc plate. His series on Marriage Photos in etching is one of the works I love best. It speaks of the South Indian Tamil couple, standing in all their wedding finery and then what? That is left to the audience. These are not static creations; this is a whole life. Still Life and Landscapes he never stopped from exploring. For him not to experiment would mean stagnation. He is a rare individual, an artist without fear, and when he speaks, he can hold an audience or even a single individual spellbound,” renowned artist Asma Menon who shared on legendary artist R.B Bhaskaran’s creativity that flourished through his fearless experimentation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.
Today, the eminent artist R.B Bhaskaran lives and works in Chennai, leaving behind a legacy that bridges tradition and innovation, nature and humanity, culture and artistic freedom. R.B Bhaskaran’s story is not merely of art, but of life enriched by beauty and endless inspiration.
