The name is familiar to many, and unknown to many. But those who know of him know that his paintings and lithographs were not just like coming up for fresh air but also a humongous shift in Indian art scenario as it were.
But sadly, as the situation stands, a lot of millennials are unfamiliar with Raja Ravi Verma's works. Sure, they might have seen some in passing, but that's about it.
And the best way to change that? Well, rajaravivarmamemes on Instagram is doing the needful. What started as a portfolio for an art course is now one of the Instagram accounts that is not just spreading the good strokes of Indian art online, but doing it with a sense of humor.
"Raja Ravi Varma has done more for Indian art than a lot of those that followed in his wake," says Sowmya, the creator of these hilarious memes. "By mastering the technique of European portraiture with Indian subjects, he captured the imagination of not just the nation but the world."
"But, surrounded as I was by the joie de vivre of meme culture, I started thinking up funny captions for these paintings. There's always room for more humour in the world. For as long as I can remember, I have been very fond of memes. I was confident there are people in India (and the world) who would appreciate art served with a side of humour."
"While I make these memes, I also consciously read up on the paintings so I understand Raja Ravi Varma more. With every post, I realize what the man has achieved in his lifetime as an artist is awe-inspiring. My aim therefore, is also to educate. My page is a new way to see art that has emerged from India, and to bring Indian art, which is often relegated to the pursuit of the elite, into pop culture so everyone can enjoy it," adds Sowmya.
When asked how far she wants to take the Instagram account, Sowmya says that the objective of this page is really only a new way to enjoy art that has emerged from India.
"The average Indian finds 'art' obscure. It is not that way; there is always an entry into art. My attempt is to get more people interested in seeing art, learning about art and enjoying it, so that art adds to their lives. My page is a tool to spread laughter and lighten life's moments using art as a medium."
One woman's research (and art study) is now all of our laughs (and hopefully education).
And here you thought that memes are made right out of the hat?
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