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S Ravi Shankar (born 1960) is an Indian Contemporary artist known for his diverse body of work that encompasses printmaking, pen drawings, and painting.

Life
S. Ravi Shankar (born 1960) is an Indian artist known for his diverse body of work that encompasses printmaking, pen drawings, and painting. He was born in Chennai and grew up in Triplicane, a suburb known for its scenic beauty along the Bay of Bengal coast.

Despite not initially being drawn to art as a child, Shankar eventually pursued his artistic passions against the wishes of his parents. He enrolled at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, where he found a mentor in Professor R.B. Bhaskaran. It was during this period that Shankar's interest in printmaking began to flourish, allowing him to explore various artistic directions.

Printmaking
Shankar gained recognition for his experimental approach to printmaking, particularly his etchings. His black and white prints from the early 1980s, featuring a dwarf elephant from the Madras Zoological Park, remain notable for their timeless quality. Receiving the Charles Wallace India Trust Award in 1996 and his subsequent journey to Edinburgh, where he learned non-toxic printmaking at Edinburgh Printmakers, further solidified his dedication to the art of printmaking.

As the new millennium approached, Shankar's artistic focus shifted towards the portrayal of the human condition, often using monochromatic expression. His 2004 solo exhibition at the Alliance française Gallery in Chennai showcased his evolving style, characterized by a deep exploration of human experiences and the human face as a canvas for imaginative projections.

Pen & Ink Drawings
In 2005, Shankar made a dramatic transition to large black and white pen drawings, inspired by his personal life experiences. This shift led to a series of cryptic and skillful figurative works that were featured in several exhibitions, including "Drawn from India" in 2007 and "The Beating Heart of Kerala" in 2009.

Shankar's artistic journey can be divided into three distinct phases. First, he explored genre scenes, capturing everyday life in India with a focus on historical and cultural significance. Second, his work delved into the complexity of human imagination, dreams, and desires, resulting in surreal and thought-provoking pieces. Lastly, he examined the facets of character and personality, particularly how individuals evolve over time and in various social contexts.

One notable work, "Identical Seed with a Difference" (2009), depicts twins conjoined at the torso, symbolizing the duality and changing nature of human personalities. This theme of duality and alter-ego is prevalent in his "Boy" series, where he explores the multifaceted nature of individuals.

Shankar's art often challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and question their perceptions of reality and imagination. His work blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the symbolic, inviting viewers to explore the intricate details and hidden meanings within each piece.

Awards
S. Ravi Shankar has been the recipient of several prestigious awards throughout his artistic journey. In 2009, he received the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi. His dedication to the arts was further recognized with a Fellowship awarded by the Department of Culture, Government of India, Ministry of Culture (India), New Delhi, from 2000 to 2002. In 1996, he was honored with the Charles Wallace Trust award for Print-making. Notably, he achieved the State Award in the senior category and secured the II Prize in the All India Photography contest organized by Hindustan Photo Films, both in 1991. Back in 1985, he earned recognition as the recipient of the Research Fellowship from Lalit Kala Academy for Print-making. His artistic prowess was on display in exhibitions such as the 5th All India Exhibition of paintings in Miniature format in Hyderabad and the Youth Exhibition organized by L.K.A & T.N.O.N. Kuzu, Chennai, both in 1985. Additionally, his early recognition in the field of art includes the College of Arts and Crafts annual award in 1979. His artistic journey began even earlier, as he clinched the First prize in a Wild Life Painting competition in 1975. These awards stand as a testament to his talent and dedication in the world of art.

Exhibitions
S. Ravi Shankar has showcased his artistry in numerous solo exhibitions, including the acclaimed 'Energy Transmutation' at Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, in 2016. Notably, his works have graced international venues, such as 'Back to my childhood' at The Noble Sage Gallery in East Finchley, London, United Kingdom, in 2012, and 'A Tribute to life' at Gallery Archana, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2010, among others. His artistic journey has been marked by a multitude of selected exhibitions, including 'Art Bengaluru 2018' at UB City, Bengaluru, organized by Sublime Galleria in 2018, and 'Looking Back to Look Forward' at Nitanjali Art, New Delhi, in 2011. These exhibitions, along with many others, have contributed significantly to the recognition of S Ravi Shankar's talent and his impact on the world of contemporary art.