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Vallish

"I belong to family of Sanskrit scholars, and vainikas (veena musicians), with a tradition of more than 500 years. However my keen interest in drawing and painting was observed by my paternal uncle, Veena Venkatasubba Rao. He guided and helped me embrace a profession in art when I was barely seven years old.

"I was born and brought up in the Mysore district in Karnataka. I was a moody boy and didn't spend much time with children my own age. I spent more time with elderly people and preferred being around nature. My passion was for music and listening to stories. They would take me to a fantasy world that transcended the physical world, and this may have been the reason for my acquaintance with such people.

"I would keenly observe the traditional celebrations. We had many paintings in the traditional Vijaya Nagar, Mysore and Tanjore styles displayed in our house, and they captivated me. I was especially drawn toward the saintly personalities, musicians and Sanskrit scholars who visited our house. Perhaps this is the reason for my detachment from the material world.

"When I was a boy, it was difficult to take up art as a career option. I remember I used to paint on the walls and floor using charcoal and vegetable colors. I was so mesmerized with art, I just couldn't stay away from it.

"After my pre-university studies, I did a five-year diploma course in drawing and painting where I was first in the class. This is how my journey started.

"When I was not painting, I would play the veena, which I learned from my father and uncles. All my five paternal uncles were musicians and Sanskrit scholars.

"It is difficult to explain my work. My style is purely contemporary of Indian origin. I talk to my paintings and go beyond the realm of canvas and colors. From the moment I start painting until I finish a canvas, I travel to a different world. I find myself fully immersed in the thoughts and flow of the colors. Philosophical themes and fantasy inspire me." Since 1983, Vallish has exhibited his work in all of India's major cities, and has held three solo exhibits.