THE GOLDEN AGE
TANJORE PAINTINGS
Getting a self-styled portrait is high in the narcissistic pecking order and 85-year-old Viswanath Iyer is doing a fine job of combining tradition with individual tastes.“I find painting an absorbing and attractive indulgence, especially the Tanjore style, since it’s a traditional art that’s not getting its due patronage,” explains Iyer. Iyer doesn’t hold exhibitions or produce the art commercially.“I only make commissioned paintings,” he says. First, a client sends him a photograph that they want to convert into a Tanjore painting. He then creates a board on which he makes a sketch, adding, for men, a turban or a closecollared jacket, and for women, a sari, jewellery, or headgear in case the photograph has them wearing a dress. Once this is approved by the client, Iyer adds gold inlay and semiprecious stones to complete the painting in about three weeks. The price varies according to size and elaborateness of the design. How’s that for indulgence? USP Specially commissioned portraits in traditional Tanjore art form. The paintings are not produced commercially. Price Rs 35,000 (for 24” x 30”)