Bringing a Macro World into Microcosmic
Narratives
Sushma Sabnis
The breaking down of a system, blindly followed, led by an un-adaptable truth – a single truth
or plural truths, depending upon the addressed issues, the choice of right versus wrong and right
versus right, all surface and question the viewer in ‘Wars of the Relics.’
In the work, KG Subramanyan believes that outmoded truths confront each other eventually
because of changes in the society and fail to lead humankind to a better life. In saying so, KG
Subramanyan’s style of narrative, figurative and intricately detailed works serve as today’s
documentation of an age of history of the world. Persian influences, Zorashtrianism, the advent of
Christianity, the rebirth of a ‘new age’ Hinduism from Sanatan dharma, Wars and destruction, all
of these instances are precisely documented in the work. The depiction of epics, which worked as
tools of educating the masses and introductions to the Vedas and scriptures also gets mentioned
in this work. In every angle, ‘Wars of the Relics’ poses to be the precise documentation of an era,
made adopting the style of the miniature but rendered in a large scale without compromising the
detailing and the facts. KG Subramanyan has also illustrated several books which he has written.
Like KG Subramanyan, many other Indian artists and artists from other countries have taken
the miniature style and modified it into larger scale works, in a contemporary expressive language,
while adhering firmly to the principles of miniatures aesthetically. To mention some, the Singh
twins, Amrit and Rabindra, who are UK based and adhere to miniature styled, ‘Past- Modern’
(unlike post modern) art. The twins have successfully combined Western and Eastern aesthetics
in their art language and their work can be seen addressing social issues and has been accepted
universally. Another name that comes to mind where contemporary miniature art is concerned
is Lahore based artist Saira Wasim. Saira chooses to use her miniature language as a script for
a drama that is enacted out on canvas. Most of her works are themed around social problems,
unrest and uprising in society. Saira’s work also has Persian influences in her miniature style and
addresses issues concerning modernization and domination of the West over the East.
