Last weekend in Hyderabad, while throngs of devotees brought Ganesha idols to the serene waters of Hussain Sagar for immersion, art lovers and calligraphy enthusiasts gathered at Hotel Marigold to immerse themselves in a different kind of divine craft. They were there to celebrate the mesmerizing artistry of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju, whose calligraphy has been chronicled in a stunning new book by Koeli Mukherjee Ghose, an esteemed art historian.
The event, marked by the launch of “The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju,” shifted the spotlight onto the artist and his illustrious four-decade-long career. The elegant 425-page volume, which weighs a hefty four kilograms, showcases 457 vivid images of Parameshwar’s original works, alongside Koeli’s insightful narrative that traces the evolution of his artistic journey.
Koeli Mukherjee Ghose, who has devoted considerable time to understanding and documenting Parameshwar’s work, shared a poignant anecdote during the gathering. The story, which opens the book, takes readers aboard a train journey where Parameshwar, seated cross-legged, effortlessly wielded his calligraphy pen, creating perfectly rhythmic thin-thick-thin strokes, wholly engrossed in his craft. Oblivious to the curious eyes of his fellow passengers, Parameshwar was a picture of dedication and concentration, capturing the essence of his art in that confined space.
The calligraphy of Parameshwar Raju is a harmonious blend of traditional symbols, myths, and motifs that bear profound cultural significance. With just a few bold strokes, he imparts a contemporary flair to ancient inspirations. Each page of the book unfurls the striking red minimalism of his renditions of deities like Ganesha, Krishna, Anantashayana Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, and more. These illustrations create a visual narrative interweaving elements of sthalapurana (historical and religious significance of places), iconography, and epic tales, bridging India’s rich past with its vibrant present. Mastering the art of pothis, a challenging calligraphy form that demands meticulous attention to space and proportion, Parameshwar has unlocked an entirely new dimension of this ancient craft.
Born in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwar’s initial foray into the world of calligraphy began with the Devanagari script. Gradually, as he delved deeper into his cultural heritage, his work started portraying pictorial narratives that reflected his roots. Starting with the sacred symbol of Aum, his calligraphy expanded to encapsulate the visual essence of deities, integrating intricate elements like vahanas (vehicles) and ayudhas (weapons). Over the past twenty years, Parameshwar has successfully brought Puranic tales to vivid life, earning him recognition both in Hyderabad and on the global stage.
Koeli, in her detailed documentation, elucidates how Parameshwar embraced the inherent constraints of calligraphy to elevate it into a celebrated art form.
. What might be a limitation for other artists became Parameshwar’s signature strength. His unwavering commitment to the precise thin-thick-thin strokes and his consistent use of the color red, symbolizing Shakti, come together to create stunning visual narratives. His works transcend traditional themes, touching upon Puranic lore, personal childhood memories, and even contemporary topics.
Reflecting on their first meeting in 2003 when Koeli worked as an art curator, she recounted how Parameshwar handed her a collection of his works. “Looking at his creations, the day’s stress seemed to dissolve. It was truly art for art’s sake. I felt empowered and moved by his pieces,” Koeli shared during the launch event. She revealed how she would lose herself while observing his works but struggled to understand them initially, as Parameshwar chose to let his art speak for itself, often dismissing her questions with laughter. After many years of meticulous research and self-study, Koeli finally grasped the nuances of his forms and narratives, earning the trust of Parameshwar to chronicle his incredible journey.
In a light-hearted moment during the event, Parameshwar remarked on the process of creating art. “An idea doesn’t simply come to an artist through divine intervention. It takes shape from countless observations over time, and eventually, an image forms in our minds which we then bring to life,” he explained, expressing his preference to let Koeli handle the writing aspect of his process.
“The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju,” priced at ₹14,999, is not just a biography but a treasure trove for art lovers, offering a deep dive into the fusion of tradition and modernity through the lens of a remarkable artist. For those interested, the book is available for orders, promising to be a valuable addition to any collection of art and cultural literature.
Published on September 24, 2024, the book stands as a testament to Parameshwar’s unique vision and Koeli’s dedication in bringing this extraordinary story to light. The launch event, steeped in appreciation and admiration, marked a significant milestone in the journey of an artist who has made India proud on the global stage.
For more information or to place orders, contact: 9848622820 / 9652666775.
