A.P Santhanraj

Santhanaraj studied at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai and then went to teach at the same institute and finally he retired in 1990 as the principal of the same institute. The artist now lives and works in Chennai.

The fundamental element, which sets apart the artists style from the others is the quality of line. It is one of the most defining aspects of his works. He uses this element without any inhibitions exploring it endlessly and creating a unique visual language. As the artist says " I am hungry about painting. What comes out of it, I don't know. All my intentions are not to accept a preconceived form. Circumstances force me to accept a particular form.”

The artist while painting instead of placing the canvas vertically in front of him, lays it out flat on the ground and works on it from all angles. The work process also gives inkling to the artist’s unconventional, un-inhibited thinking process. The same tendency is also reflected in the manner in which Santhanaraj handles colour which is the other source of inspiration. Colour not with its emotive quality but rather the atmosphere it exudes. The artist in his paintings exploits the most fundamental elements to express his thoughts.