R Balasubramanian

Rajchandar Balasubramanian (b. 1970, Chennai), known professionally as baalaa.r, is an Indian printmaking artist and founder of Timeproofart Studio in Chennai. Trained at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai (BFA 1990; MFA 1999), his practice is rooted in printmaking, especially etching and serigraphy, while pushing the medium onto unconventional surfaces such as leather, foil, hologram sheets, acrylic, PVC, and even compact discs, often extending prints into relief and sculptural forms.

Active on the international print circuit since the early 1990s, he has participated in major print triennales and biennales and invited exhibitions across Asia and Europe, including events in Taipei, Giza, Tokyo, Barcelona, Poland, Norway, Romania, and Bulgaria. His recognitions include a medal at the 2nd Egyptian International Print Triennale (1996) and significant Indian honours such as awards from leading state/national art bodies, a Lalit Kala Akademi research grant, an Honourable Mention at the Lalit Kala Akademi’s 41st National Exhibition of Art (1998), and junior fellowships from India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development for printmaking research.

His works are held in major collections including the Government Museum (Chennai) and the National Gallery of Modern Art (New Delhi), among others. Alongside exhibiting, he has delivered demonstrations, lectures, and workshops at institutions such as Kanoria Centre for Arts, NIFT Chennai, and Anna University, and has presented internationally in New York and Milwaukee.