The Life & Legacy Of Krishna Reddy: A Master Printmaker, Sculptor, & Teacher

Krishna Reddy (1925-2018) was a towering figure in the world of modern Indian art. Though renowned for his sculptures and paintings, it's his mastery of printmaking, particularly his innovative viscosity printing technique, that cemented his legacy. Reddy's life and career unfolded across continents, reflecting a constant quest for artistic exploration and exchange.

Reddy was born in a small village called Nandanoor in Andhra Pradesh. His artistic journey began in the country of his birth. He studied at Tagore's Kala Bhavana, under the guidance of the influential Nandalal Bose and Ramkinkar Baij. It was there that he honed his skills in the Bengal School of Art tradition, known for its focus on Indian mythology and classical forms. However, Reddy's thirst for knowledge led him abroad. In 1949, he found himself in London, sculpting under the legendary Henry Moore at the Slade School of Fine Arts. This period exposed him to European modernist trends, further shaping his artistic sensibilities.

A few years later, Paris became Reddy's home and muse for over two decades. There, he met the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, whose emphasis on form and simplicity deeply influenced him. In the course of his long and illustrious career, Reddy has created several sculptures in bronze, stone, marble and terracotta. But the most significant turning point came in 1952 when Reddy joined Atelier 17, the renowned printmaking studio established by Stanley William Hayter. Atelier 17 was a melting pot of artistic talent, with artists like Joan Miró and Alberto Giacometti working alongside Hayter. Here, Reddy not only mastered traditional intaglio techniques but also revolutionized printmaking.

Reddy's most significant contribution was the invention of simultaneous multicolor viscosity printing. This innovative technique allowed him to create prints with vibrant, layered colors in a single pass. Unlike traditional intaglio printing, where each color required a separate plate and press run, Reddy's method offered a more dynamic and efficient process. He achieved this by using inks with varying viscosities (thickness), ensuring they didn't mix prematurely on the plate. Through this process, Reddy managed to attain a range of exceptional colours on the plate, with each print becoming an individual colored image. His abstract and semi-abstract prints centered around the motifs of nature and human figures.This invention not only revolutionized his own practice but also opened new avenues for other printmakers.

Reddy's visual grammar was a confluence of his Indian heritage and his European experiences. His prints often explored themes of nature, mythology, and the human form, rendered in a language that was both abstract and evocative. He drew inspiration from Indian classical music, translating its rhythmic melodies into visual compositions. Reddy's work embodied a sense of harmony and balance, with geometric shapes and organic forms existing in a state of dynamic tension.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Reddy was a dedicated educator. In 1976, he moved to New York City and established the Color Print Atelier. He also held a professorship at New York University, where he impacted generations of artists. His students revered him for his technical expertise and his boundless artistic spirit.

Krishna Reddy's life and work serve as living proof of the power of cultural confluence in shaping artistic sensibility. He embraced diverse influences while retaining his unique artistic voice. His innovative printmaking technique continues to inspire contemporary artists, solidifying his position as a pioneer of modern Indian art. Today, Reddy's work is held in prestigious collections worldwide, a lasting testament to his artistic legacy.

Reddy was a deeply empathetic person who inspired and was inspired by several artists in his lifetime. In what can be seen as an early kick-off to Krishna Reddy's centenary year, Of Friendships: Krishna Reddy & His World, an exhibition by Experimenter Colaba, Mumbai, not only highlights his groundbreaking artistic practice and lasting impact but also, more importantly, celebrates his warmth and generosity as evidenced by the enduring friendships he cultivated throughout his life. The exhibition will showcase rare and early works of Reddy, along with works of Stanley William Hayter, Zarina, Ramkinkar Baij, Shirley Witebsky, Mona Saudi, Judith Blum Reddy, Benode Behari Mukherjee, Gabor Peterdi and Nalini Malani. Experience Reddy's artistic brilliance in person at this exhibition. It is on view till June 15, 2024.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

Follow Experimenter here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

How Bengali Modernist Painter Gobardhan Ash Challenged Traditional Artistic Expression

Enigmatic Excellence: The Artistic Legacy Of Iconic Kerala Painter C.N. Karunakaran

An Art Of Devotion: The Legacy Of Master Kalamkari Painter K. Sivaprasad Reddy