Pragaram

About Artist

Sathya Gandhi graduated with B.F.A from Bharathi Dasan University in Kumbakonam Fine Art collage. This Oil on canvas composition is based on a study made at a temple complex in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. This image focusses on a deity who is placed in an alcove in the outside wall of a main worship area the gharba griha. Though, generally not given much attention during the ritual going around the praharam, this deity with a freshly worn dhoti caught my eyes when I entered the praharam through a narrow lane between two smaller temples in the main complex. The narrow, vertical composition helps me to show the light and shadow play that increases the attractiveness of the bright cloth on the dark deity sculpture. In many village temple complexes, it is mostly through the narrow lanes between smaller temples that we enter the praharam to enter the main temple. It is much more interesting to see the architectural elements and light and shade in the lanes than entering through the main gate. The monochromatic color scheme of the painting helps to concentrate on the vertical pillars of the side walls and the diagonal line of the other architectural details leading the eye to the brightly lit wall and to the central alcove.