India lost one its greatest artists when cartoonist Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman died. But, his arts and his magic through cartoons will always be there in the hearts of people. To give his art work a recognition, an art gallery is to be constructed at Pune.
This art gallery will be a platform to all the artists in the city to showcase their talent and artwork, and art lovers also will enjoy various arts.
He was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Ramon Magsaysay awards for his remarkable contribution to journalism,. This 93-year old legendary cartoonist died in Pune, on January 26, 2015.
He was born on October 24, 1921 in Mysore and was always passionate and attracted towards sketching cartoons since his childhood. He applied to JJ School of art to pursue his dreams, but his application was rejected.
The art gallery is being constructed in Balewadi area of Pune on behalf of the corporation to save the memory of this great artist and to highlight his great work. This art gallery will give platform and inspire new artist. The work is expected to be completed in three months.
According to information by Yogesh Mulik at press meet, “The gallery will be constructed at R.R.Dhotre’s proposal and such has been approved by the Standing Committee which is worth of Rs 1.25 crore.”
Cartoonist R. K. Laxman made various portraits of well-known people from country as well as abroad. And, one of his popular sketches is of a ‘common man’ which wears a simple dress of quartet suit with a dhoti and a cap in his portrait.
Because of his ‘common man’ cartoon, the image of a common Indian man reached out to the world. His cartoons were published in the newspapers of ‘Times of India’ from 1950.
Laxman’s sketches criticized the weaknesses and faults of society but never hurt anyone’s sentiments. He has also published various short stories, essays, articles on travelling and also wrote novels like The hotel riviera and The Messenger.