JMS Mani
Works
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Untitled, NA
Biography
JMS Mani (1949–2021), born J. M. Subramani in Bengaluru, was a prominent Indian artist and educator known for his vibrant paintings and expressive treatment of everyday life. He studied at the Ken School of Art, Bengaluru, under the guidance of its founder, R. M. Hadapad, whose influence remained important throughout his artistic journey. Mani later served as a teacher and became the Principal of the institution, retiring in 2007.
Mani’s practice explored rural life, landscapes, abstraction and the human figure across painting, printmaking, etching, watercolour, sculpture and mixed media. He is particularly known for his celebrated Badami Series, inspired by the landscapes and people of Badami in Karnataka. Through bold brushstrokes, rich colour and textured surfaces, he portrayed ordinary people and their everyday lives with warmth and dignity. His work brought together Indian subjects with modernist and impressionistic approaches, creating a distinctive visual language. Mani received the Karnataka Lalit Kala Akademi Awards and the Karnataka State Award in recognition of his contribution to Indian art.