In the kaleidoscopic realm of contemporary art, one name that shines brightly is Chitra Ramanathan, an Indian American artist and educator whose brushstrokes weave tales of happiness on canvas.
Born as Chitra Subramanyam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India, to Sarasa and L.N. Subramanyam, her artistic journey began as a young dreamer, doodling, painting, and molding clay with an innate passion for creativity.
Chitra Ramanathan – Early Beginnings
By the tender age of twelve, Chitra Ramanathan had already garnered recognition, winning coloring-in awards from prestigious sponsors, including Hindustan Unilever Limited. Her paintings adorned the halls of the Birla Academy of Arts and Culture in Kolkata, India, foreshadowing a remarkable artistic odyssey.
Education and Artistic Odyssey
Chitra Ramanathan’s academic pursuits led her to Stella Maris College in Chennai, India, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She further honed her skills at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with honors in Painting in 1993, and later obtaining an MBA from the Gies College of Business in 1997. International exposure followed with artist residencies in France and Italy, enriching her artistic repertoire.
Soaring on Broadway
Chitra Ramanathan’s artistic debut in 1995 graced the galleries of Soho Broadway, Manhattan, where her solo and group exhibitions caught the discerning eyes of art critics.
Manhattan Arts Magazine hailed her paintings as “tactile works that resonate with a quiet harmony,” reflecting the spirituality of her Indian roots. Her engagement with the College Art Association further solidified her standing in the American art landscape.
Public Art and Global Recognition
Chitra’s artistic prowess transcended boundaries, with her commissioned works adorning diverse spaces. Notable among these is the pair of large-sized paintings commissioned by MGM Resorts International, proudly displayed in the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas.
A 13.8-foot-wide mural at Crooked Creek Elementary School and installations on Monument Circle, Indianapolis, underscore her commitment to public art initiatives.
International Acclaim
The Royal Academy of Arts, London, beckoned in 2005, where Chitra Ramanathan showcased her abstract paintings and conducted student tutorials. Her inclusion in esteemed publications such as the “International Dictionary of Artists” and “International Contemporary Artists” solidified her place in the global art community.
A Palette of Recognition
Chitra Ramanathan’s artistic brilliance has not gone unnoticed. Awards, publications, and recognition have adorned her journey, from Askart com and Who’s Who in America to features in Luxury Real Estate Magazine and the Internet Movie Database (IMDB).
Painting Happiness
Chitra’s unique style is a dance of vibrant colors and rapid brush strokes, creating a visual symphony that extends beyond two-dimensional surfaces. Her expansive scale paintings, often presented as diptychs or triptychs, embody the abstract concept of happiness and the expression of joy.
Teaching and Inspiring
Beyond her canvas, Chitra Ramanathan is a dedicated art educator. Since 2004, she has imparted knowledge in painting mediums, sharing her passion with aspiring artists. Her role as a Visiting Artist at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2005 speaks volumes about her influence in the educational sphere.
Commissioned Marvels
Chitra Ramanathan’s art has found homes in private collections, courthouses, hotels, and prominent exhibitions. Notable recent projects include a commission in Miamisburg, Ohio, and a custom painting in Boston, Massachusetts, each a testament to her enduring creativity.
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