B. K. S. Varma

Bukkasagara Krishnaiah Srinivas Varma (5 September 1948 – 6 February 2023) was an Indian painter from Bangalore, whose subject was mainly environment and social issues presented in a surreal form. His depiction of Indian Gods has taken a new dimension. He also specialised in painting pictures in front of a large audience, in a short span of time, usually for poetry or dance.

Early life Varma was born in 1948 at Karnur, Attibele Taluk, which is situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka. He began sketching as a hobby at the age of six. His mother Smt. Jayalakshmi was an artist herself, his father Sri. Krishnamacharya was a musician. 1962 -68 – Varma was trained for painting and sculpture by Guru Sri. A.N. Subbarao at Kalamandir, Bangalore and by Sri. A.C.H. Acharya a sculptor from Devenahalli.

1964-67 – Joined Kalamandir School of art. Travelled all over India twice and met a lot of eminent people which included Dr. Radakrishna (ex.president of India), Deviprasad Roy Choudry, Jamini Roy, Nandal Bose, KK Hebbar, MF Hussien, Panikar, Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu, Shivarama Karanth and many others. During his travel across India he visited Ajanta, Ellora and many art museums and galleries to gain more knowledge and experience in the field.

2010 – Biography published 2001 - He received the Rajyothsava award