A. Selvaraj

Native of the southern Indian state of Chennai, Tamil Nadu- A Selvaraj was destined to be an engineer. However, mid-way through his higher education Selvaraj realized his calling; soon after which he left his studies and became an artist, holding his first solo show in Bangalore in his early 20s.

Selvaraj work depicts the sensuous grace derived from his close interest and subsequent observation of classical Indian dancers. The dancers elegance and dexterity have been captured sharply in most of his work as he indulged himself fully in the practice as well as compositions of new dance pieces at recitals.

In the same year as his landmark Chennai show, he also became a life member of the Tamil Nadu capital Cholamandal Artists Village. That year - 1966 - proved an especially momentous one for the fledgling artist, also marked by his involvement in the National Art Exhibition in New Delhi and receipt of the Award of Chennai Progressive Painters Association, one of the country's oldest art organizations.