Mr. R Krishnamurthi
Approx. 14×14 inches
Acrylics on board papered with brown paper.
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Chithra aunty looked at the portrait on my studio wall and said, ‘Hi Babu’. Much like I say ‘Hi, nana/papa when I see Papa’s picture at my parents’ home. That Hi Babu and the kiss Aunty gave Uncle’s portrait was special. It is the reason I do what I do.
Some portraits paint themselves. This was one of them. My friend Sangitha lost her father on the 14th of February this year and reached out to me to paint a portrait of him after seeing the one I had done of Roohi’s late father. As some of you know, I lost my father on the 14th of Oct last year, so of course I said yes. It was soothing to paint this for Sangitha.
I found myself thinking of my father often during the painting process. I went and looked through his pictures when he was younger and not dealing with any ill health. Over the years, I had got so bogged down that I had forgotten the days when he was young, carefree and without pain. This painting of uncle was restful for my soul. I miss my father, as I know Sangitha misses hers.
She came with her mother, Chitra aunty, yesterday to pick up the painting from my studio. They both wore a green saree – uncle’s favourite colour. And it was also Sangitha’s birthday, and she said she chose yesterday especially to come pick up the painting. They were kind enough to spend some time at home speaking with my mother about how they are coping with the loss and the vacuum left after Uncle’s passing. I know it helped Ma a little…
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I hope this portrait gives her family some solace and a way to reminisce over happier times. So long, uncle. I hope Papa and you can keep each other company till we join you…
