“Creativity takes courage”- Henry Matisse
This quote by the 20th century French artist was exemplified by Prof V B Hiregouder, through his art and through his life.
Prof was born in a large agrarian family in north Karnataka. In the times he was growing up, it was rather radical and bold for a young “Virappu” to take off to pursue his dream of learning art. Soon after class 10, he ran away to the city to enrol for formally educating himself in art. He worked in Karnataka State Electricity Board at a position that his class 10 education could fetch him and ever since completely funded his education. Self-sustenance was as resolute to him as was his passion.
His interest in art and painting came about witnessing his mother’s creativity during festivals and even in her daily rangoli decorations. This nascent experience became symbolic of all his artwork. The tenderness of the creativity he saw and the dexterity with which it was done tenaciously all got imbibed in his expression of himself and through his work.
His friends and students call him ‘crusader with art’. Professor inspired the artist in everyone, by sheer dedication and hard work. His childlike curiosity got him intrigued in the diverse expressions he saw and also attempted, and his wisdom and generosity ensured each expression was curated.
The domination of hues of reds and ochre in his colour palate is a combination of the vibrancy of his thoughts and the connectedness to earth he had. The use of cobalt blue and its genius blends was something that his students would constantly strive to achieve.
The trajectory of his achievements and his recognition made him only humbler and reachable. A beloved friend to all who knew him and a nurturing and gentle parent to his children…the standard he effortlessly set is great as its endearing.
This is a tribute to the fine artist of the soil!