.jpeg "Renuka Kesaramadu's Art: A Journey Through Emotions and Creativity")
Some artists create for the world, some create for themselves, and then there are those like Renuka Kesaramadu, who paint not just on canvas but on the very fabric of life. A celebrated visual artist, sculptor, art critic, curator, and university faculty, Renuka’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From the quiet villages of Karnataka to international art galleries in Italy, Finland, and Spain, her work transcends borders, cultures, and time. She is not just an artist she is an observer, a storyteller, and a philosopher who captures the emotions and struggles of human existence through her art.
From Rural Roots to Artistic Heights: A Story of Perseverance
Born in the small village of Kesaramadu, Tumkur, Renuka’s earliest memories are filled with the rustic charm of village life. The golden fields, the monsoon-soaked mud roads, the distant hum of temple bells each element imprinted itself in her young mind, shaping her artistic vision.
Her childhood was not easy. Losing her father at a young age, she watched her mother, a woman of immense resilience, raise six children alone. Education was not a priority for many village girls at the time, but Renuka was different. She had a hunger for knowledge and creativity that could not be contained. Her mother, defying societal norms, encouraged her to pursue her studies a decision that would change Renuka’s life forever.
“I walked three kilometers to school every day, barefoot on the muddy roads. We had nothing, but we had peace, love, and dreams,” she recalls. It was in these moments that she first learned the value of perseverance, self-discipline, and the power of dreams.
Talent Recognized, Dreams Pursued: A Path Forged in Art
As a child, Renuka found solace in sketching. Whether it was on the margins of school notebooks or on scraps of paper, her world was one of colors, lines, and untold stories. Her talent did not go unnoticed her teachers and peers saw the spark in her work. But pursuing art was not considered a viable career in her village.
Against all odds, she pursued her passion. After completing her B.Sc. from Bangalore University, she made the bold decision to enroll in KEN School of Art, Bangalore, where she won four Gold Medals for her exceptional talent. She then pursued an M.A. in History from Annamalai University and an M.F.A. in Art History from Chitrakala Parishath, making her one of the most well-rounded artists of her time.
But success did not come easily. She worked tirelessly, juggling a teaching job while dedicating nights to her artwork. “I painted through the night. Sleep was a luxury I could not afford,” she says.
Her art was not just an expression it was survival, rebellion, and her voice against societal limitations.
As a child, Renuka found solace in sketching. Whether it was on the margins of school notebooks or on scraps of paper, her world was one of colors, lines, and untold stories. Her talent did not go unnoticed her teachers and peers saw the spark in her work. But pursuing art was not considered a viable career in her village.
Against all odds, she pursued her passion. After completing her B.Sc. from Bangalore University, she made the bold decision to enroll in KEN School of Art, Bangalore, where she won four Gold Medals for her exceptional talent. She then pursued an M.A. in History from Annamalai University and an M.F.A. in Art History from Chitrakala Parishath, making her one of the most well-rounded artists of her time.
But success did not come easily. She worked tirelessly, juggling a teaching job while dedicating nights to her artwork. “I painted through the night. Sleep was a luxury I could not afford,” she says.
Her art was not just an expression it was survival, rebellion, and her voice against societal limitations.
Art That Speaks Volumes: Evoking Emotions, Challenging Perspectives
Renuka’s paintings are a journey through time and emotion. Each brushstroke tells a story, each sculpture breathes life into forgotten traditions. Her work has been showcased in prestigious galleries across India and internationally, including Italy, Romania, Finland, and Portugal.
One of her most defining works was the ‘Corona Express’ series, a hauntingly beautiful collection of 30 paintings created during the pandemic. Through her art, she captured the collective fear, loneliness, and resilience of humanity.
“Art is not just about beauty it is about emotions, struggles, and hope. It is about telling stories that words fail to express,” she explains.
Renuka does not confine herself to a single medium. She works with paint, sculpture, terracotta, and mixed media, constantly exploring new forms of expression. Her themes range from mythology to social issues, from nature’s tranquility to the chaos of modern life. Her paintings do not just hang on walls; they start conversations, evoke emotions, and challenge perspectives.
The Gift of Freedom: Inspiring Creativity and Self-Expression
Creativity flows like a river in Renuka’s household. Her husband is a musician, her son is a dancer and board game creator, and her daughter is an architect. Together, they form a family of visionaries, where art is not just practiced but lived.
“The greatest gift you can give your children is the freedom to create,” she believes. Her home is filled with the melodies of music, the hum of artistic discussions, and the quiet rustle of sketchbooks. Art is their shared language, their way of understanding the world.
Beyond her own creations, Renuka is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. She has mentored thousands of students across Karnataka, many of whom have gone on to become successful artists and educators. Her lessons go beyond technique she teaches the importance of discipline, patience, and the courage to embrace one's true self.
One of her core teachings is the value of time. “Time is our most valuable resource,” she often tells her students. “Use it to create something meaningful.” She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and self-expression, reminding her students that art is a lifelong journey, not just a skill to master.
Her belief in artistic freedom extends beyond her family and students it is a principle that she champions in every exhibition, workshop, and discussion she participates in. “An artist must be fearless, unafraid to express and explore,” she says. “Only then can art truly evolve.”
A Life Well Painted: Finding Sukoon in Art and Community
Today, Renuka continues to create, inspire, and evolve. She is also an integral part of Sukoon Unlimited, a platform for seniors, by seniors, where individuals come together to share stories, celebrate creativity, and find purpose.
Sukoon Unlimited is more than just a group it is a home for those who believe in the power of art, music, poetry, and human connection. Designed to empower senior citizens, it fosters a space where they can express themselves freely, learn from each other, and engage in fulfilling artistic pursuits.
If you’re looking for a place where creativity and connection thrive, join us at https://sukoonunlimited.com/. Discover the joy of artistic expression and become part of a community that celebrates life’s endless possibilities.
Renuka’s paintings are a journey through time and emotion. Each brushstroke tells a story, each sculpture breathes life into forgotten traditions. Her work has been showcased in prestigious galleries across India and internationally, including Italy, Romania, Finland, and Portugal.
One of her most defining works was the ‘Corona Express’ series, a hauntingly beautiful collection of 30 paintings created during the pandemic. Through her art, she captured the collective fear, loneliness, and resilience of humanity.
“Art is not just about beauty it is about emotions, struggles, and hope. It is about telling stories that words fail to express,” she explains.
Renuka does not confine herself to a single medium. She works with paint, sculpture, terracotta, and mixed media, constantly exploring new forms of expression. Her themes range from mythology to social issues, from nature’s tranquility to the chaos of modern life. Her paintings do not just hang on walls; they start conversations, evoke emotions, and challenge perspectives.
The Gift of Freedom: Inspiring Creativity and Self-Expression
Creativity flows like a river in Renuka’s household. Her husband is a musician, her son is a dancer and board game creator, and her daughter is an architect. Together, they form a family of visionaries, where art is not just practiced but lived.
“The greatest gift you can give your children is the freedom to create,” she believes. Her home is filled with the melodies of music, the hum of artistic discussions, and the quiet rustle of sketchbooks. Art is their shared language, their way of understanding the world.
Beyond her own creations, Renuka is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists. She has mentored thousands of students across Karnataka, many of whom have gone on to become successful artists and educators. Her lessons go beyond technique she teaches the importance of discipline, patience, and the courage to embrace one's true self.
One of her core teachings is the value of time. “Time is our most valuable resource,” she often tells her students. “Use it to create something meaningful.” She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and self-expression, reminding her students that art is a lifelong journey, not just a skill to master.
Her belief in artistic freedom extends beyond her family and students it is a principle that she champions in every exhibition, workshop, and discussion she participates in. “An artist must be fearless, unafraid to express and explore,” she says. “Only then can art truly evolve.”
A Life Well Painted: Finding Sukoon in Art and Community
Today, Renuka continues to create, inspire, and evolve. She is also an integral part of Sukoon Unlimited, a platform for seniors, by seniors, where individuals come together to share stories, celebrate creativity, and find purpose.
Sukoon Unlimited is more than just a group it is a home for those who believe in the power of art, music, poetry, and human connection. Designed to empower senior citizens, it fosters a space where they can express themselves freely, learn from each other, and engage in fulfilling artistic pursuits.
If you’re looking for a place where creativity and connection thrive, join us at https://sukoonunlimited.com/. Discover the joy of artistic expression and become part of a community that celebrates life’s endless possibilities.
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