About

My experiments with Art
My artistic journey is a testament to my love for creativity and exploration. Every experiment, whether successful or not, has been a stepping stone, contributing to the rich tapestry of my work. Art, for me, is not just about the final piece but the process of discovery and the joy of creation.
I invite you to explore my portfolio and join me in this ongoing journey of artistic exploration. Each piece has a story to tell, a reflection of decades of learning, experimenting, and growing as an artist.

The Beginning

1982

“At the age of 17, during my pre-degree studies and prior to formal art training, I embarked on my first venture into oil painting on a prepared rexine sheet. Inspired by a photograph capturing the essence of a Kathakali performance, I eagerly reproduced this vibrant scene onto canvas. This initial experience as a novice oil painter was both exhilarating and formative.”

1990-1992

“In 1990, after completing a foundational two-year course in drawing and painting at the Kerala School of Arts in Thalassery, I ventured into watercolor painting. Immersed in the vibrant hues of nature and the rich tapestry of human emotions, I began to explore the enchanting possibilities of watercolors. These formative years marked the beginning of my dedicated journey into the world of serious painting.”.I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

1993-1994

“Exploring life’s fleeting essence through portraits of humanity and nature, my time in the serene hill station of Munnar nurtured my emotional and intellectual creativity. During this period, I expressed my artistic vision through numerous works across watercolor, oil, and acrylic mediums. Notable pieces include portraits such as J.N. Tata, displayed at the Regional Office of Tata Tea Ltd, and ‘Sushruta,’ depicting the Vedic medical practitioner and pioneering plastic surgeon. Additionally, my artworks celebrate figures like ‘William Harvey,’ the English physician renowned for his contributions to anatomy and physiology, which grace the auditorium of Tata Tea General Hospital. Among my commissioned works is a large-scale mural adorning the walls of High Range Club in Munnar, reflecting a deep exploration of diverse themes and subjects.”.I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

1994-1995

“Residing in Munnar, I found inspiration in the vibrant flowers that adorned the tea plantations. Captivated by their beauty, I painted a diverse array of flowers, blending their vivid colors in the foreground with evocative backgrounds that stir the emotions.”.I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

1996-2003

“Exploring the realm of three-dimensional art, I began sculpting tribal figures and crafted a concrete bust of JRD Tata, now gracing the campus of Tata Tea School in Mattupatty, Munnar. Supported by Mrs. Lakshmi Ramachandran and Mr. HL Chopra,(then school principals) along with late Mr. T. Damu, VP TATA TEA Corporate affairs and Mr. MN Kaul, VP TAT TEAfrom Tata Tea, I ventured into infusing my sculpting skills and concepts into 2D painting canvases. I also created sculpture paintings to adorn the school stage, blending creativity across mediums.”

GROWTH

2003-2004

“In 2003, my family and I relocated to Chennai, transitioning from a dramatically different climate. Here, I immersed myself more passionately in sculpture painting, inspired by the rich traditions of Mahabalipuram sculptures and stone carvings. Chidambaram, Tanjavoor Hampi, hoyshala, Konark etc.. My artworks explore the human connection with diverse terrains and historical epochs, reflecting the journey of life. With the gracious support of Kumara Rani of Chettinad, I created the magnificent sculpture painting ‘Saga of Indian Stone Sculpture and Carvings,’ adorning the foyer of Chettinad Vidyashram in R.A. Puram, Chennai. This style also extended to commissioned works for Taj Coromandel, Chennai, alongside other notable projects for the Taj group.”

2005-2009

“The human mind, both incredibly complex and elegantly simple, has been the inspiration behind my ‘Mind Power’ series. This concept took shape in 1993 when I received training in mind power and chakra-evoking techniques from Maharishi groups visiting Munnar. The need for these insights became even more apparent when I relocated to Chennai, amidst the bustle of cosmopolitan life. Through oil on canvas, I’ve explored this theme extensively, capturing the essence of mind power in a series of paintings.”I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

2010-2012

“The mask serves as humanity’s profound psychological armor, concealing emotions, personality, and attitudes—a poignant necessity of our era. In 2009, amidst another significant life change, I relocated to an international platform in the Middle East. Inspired by the universal relevance of masks in contemporary life, I embarked on a series of paintings exploring their symbolic significance. The tragic 2012 Delhi rape case (Nirbhaya) further fueled my exploration, highlighting the imperative of camouflage and the nuanced importance of masks in our daily existence.”.I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

2012-2013

The Girl – One World, Many Hues

In the wake of the Nirbhaya incident in Delhi, I embarked on a profound artistic journey, creating a series of paintings titled “The Girl – One World, Many Hues.” This collection reflects a significant evolution in my painting style.

Every girl carries a unique story within her. Behind every radiant smile and each prismatic tear, often shadowed by darkness, lies a soul that embodies both strength and vulnerability. From infancy through later stages of life, girls encounter various trials, and their worlds are continually reshaped by the relentless forces of time and circumstance. I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions. I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

2014-2019

The Thought Maketh the Man
The essence of a man lies in his thoughts, his silent suffering, his unending struggles, and his vivid dreams. Through my series of paintings on this theme, I explore and capture the multifaceted nature of manhood.I have presented this theme in numerous solo and group art exhibitions.

2019-Present

Metamorphosis on Indigo Negatives

The November of 2019 marked a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly transformed my painting style. Confined within the four walls of home, my activities and emotions were distilled and refined, deeply influencing my art.

This period gave birth to a new series titled “Metamorphosis on Indigo Negatives.” Although I did not conduct a solo exhibition for this series, I had the privilege of showcasing my work in numerous group art exhibitions. My fascination with the color indigo became the focal point, with most paintings in this series rendered in various shades of indigo.

2022-Present

A few pieces ventured into multicolors, yet they retained the distinctive style developed during the pandemic.

2023-Present

Order of Disorders – The Untouched Nature
I have begun a new series titled “Order of Disorders – The Untouched Nature.” Through this work, I aim to convey the inherent order within nature, which we often perceive as disorder. Our attempts to control the natural growth and spread of flora and fauna, as well as the geographical diversity of the landscape, reflect a human desire to reshape nature for our convenience. This series explores the tension between our interventions and nature’s intrinsic harmony.

Staff & Board

Royal Gallery is led by co-CEOs, Artistic Director John Crawford and Executive Producer William Thompson. The Executives are supported by the core artistic team: Samuel Olivier (Resident Dramaturg), Jordan Tyson (Associate Producer), Martin Scott (Director in Residence) and Susan Brown (Resident Artist).

BOARD MEMBERS / Adam Auster (Chair), Ben Miller (Deputy Chair), Heidi Lana AM, Andrew Johnson QC, Ronnie Brown, Michelle May, John Stevenson AM, Angelina Rey, Amy Tyson, Martin Bell, Tasha Rufus, Laura Lanzeti AO & Rodrigo Gomez.

ARTISTIC & PROGRAMMING

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CO-CEO / John Crawford
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CO-CEO / William Thompson
RESIDENT ARTIST / Samuel Olivier
DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE / Martin Scott
RESIDENT ARTIST / Susan Brown
RESIDENT DESIGNER / Tony Rufus
PRODUCER / Andrew McNamara
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / Jordan Tyson
COMPANY MANAGER / Amanda Fields

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

FINANCE MANAGER / Adam Scarlett
FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR / Debbie Fox
GENERAL MANAGER / Liz Gaudini

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER / Ernst Pynchon
WORKSHOP MANAGER / Daniel Auster
TECHNICAL MANAGER / William Twain
OPERATIONS MANAGER / Tony Miller
HEAD TECHNICIAN / Jason Lanzeti
HEAD CARPENTER / Michelle Lana

EDUCATION

YOUTH & EDUCATION MANAGER / Tatiana Alexis

VENUE MANAGEMENT

VENUE MANAGER / James Bell
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGERS / Harry Olivier & Marta Crawford