Balraj plays with the simplicity of daily life, and gives phrases an all-new meaning with his cartoons, which are on display in the city
Balraj plays with the simplicity of daily life, and gives phrases an all-new meaning with his cartoons, which are on display in the cityu00a0
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Simple drawings in black and white. Phrases that catch your eye, intended to tickle your funny bone. Step into the Indian Cartoon Gallery, where Balraj KN displays his art. If you nudge him on, he mightu00a0 show you his work on 12" X 18" white paper while playing with his adept lines. You are sure to spare a chortle at his take on mundane things in a light way.
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In black and white Life in Black and White, an exhibition of cartoons by Balraj KN is for the simple hearted. Non-conventional is the theme in all his paintings that focus entirely on day-to-day events that we come across in our daily lives. His use of lines in his works and the wide white spaces bring out a very different feeling.
Translating thoughts into black and white on paper was something that didn't come naturally, but was a thought-over blueprint. "This is to give the viewer a simpler and sharper idea of what I intend to portray," says Balraj. Balraj plays with phrases and gives them a twist on paper in the form of a cartoon. He says, "Twist a saying and it gives a whole new meaning." Some works do not have phrases, but are self-explanatory in nature. Another feature of his works is the use of animals. Balraj finds it fascinating when animals take the place of human beings and this is clearly seen.
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Nothing political Balraj says, "India as a nation has always been obsessed with political cartoons and hence I decided to experiment with cartoons that dealt with society, relationships and animals," which are evident in his recent works. Having specialized in sculpture from Chitrakala Parishath, he has also been active in theatre right from his college days. Balraj keeps himself occupied with sketching cartoons for E-Sutra, a book dealing with the happenings in the BPO industry.
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We like: The cartoons titled Complaints and Suggestions, The Chicken who did not want to cross the road and Wall Street.
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What: Life in Black and White
Where: Indian Cartoon Gallery, No. 1, Midford Gallery, Midford Garden, Off MG Road
On till: November 14
For: Rs 1,000 for the cartoon and Rs 1,500 for framed ones.
