K. LAXMA GOUD (B. 1940)

One can approach an artist by looking at his contribution to the art scene and his personal evolution as an artist. Laxma Goud has significance as a pedagogue, a fierce advocate of skill, sincerity and as an artist who has been prolific and consistent in his output as a visual artist and graphic designer with special emphasis on the technique of printmaking. On cannot speak about Goud's work without referring to his 'guru' K.G. Subramanyan and the influence in thought and practice on a whole generation of artists emerging in Baroda during the 1960s. Goud believes in the notion of an artist being a multidimensional personality and is versatile in many mediums. He is also committed to serving the needs of society and has done so in diverse ways-working in the government department as a designer with Doordarshan: creating social messages that communicate to the rural masses about family planning, hygiene etc, as textile designer producing striking graphic motifs on high-end designer fabrics besides experimenting with sculpture and murals - exploring materials like bronze and terracotta. He blurred the boundaries of high art and craft and also believed in the democratic indigenous vision of being a 'kalakaar'.