Mr. Babu had studied in the College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad. He was also awarded the reputed State Lalita Kala Akademi scholarship (1968-1970), to specialize in Mural Painting under the world renowned Prof. K.G. Subrahmanayam, at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S University, Baroda.
Mr. Subhash Babu has participated in many group shows of Hyderabad artists in several capital cities of India; held several One-Man-Shows of his works; participated in any Artists' Camps. His paintings have also been exhibited in U.S.A during the World Telugu Festival in 1998. He has also worked as Associate Art Director in many movies under Mr. Rama Naidu, like 'Ranga Kala' and 'Harivillu Rainbow' to name a few.
Excerpts from the Interview given to Hyderabad Public School......
Sir, you have taught thousands of students in our school, and have exposed all of them to so many facets of art, what inspired you to become an artist?
My father was my inspiration. My father, Mr. Nagabhushana Chari, was an artist who also taught Art at the ZPHS in Guntur District. His compositions, free hand drawings and his designs fascinated me. While I was very young-in class 5 and 6, I'd watch him painting for hours. My father was my main inspiration.
Who introduced you formally to art?
Actually, I was totally unaware of the existence of a fine arts college. It happened unexpectedly. My father met one of his old students in a bus and learned about the Fine Arts College. That is how it happened-like magic. (Smiles)
What was the state of Art in the Hyderabad Public School when you joined in 1970?
The students were very good, creative and had great potential. That time we had the opportunity to teach individually. All the students were very co-operative. But Mr. Ramulu and I used to divide the students to give better attention. The state of Art was very good.
What is the position of our school in Art as compared to other schools?
Definitely, we are far better that other schools. Why is this so? Because, our students have a more creative mentality, the school is providing excellent facilities like water and oil colour, which is also expensive. When other schools find it tough to buy books, where can they be able to provide canvas, oil and water colours? We have a large Art room. Other schools would divide that area into 2 to 3 classrooms. We also encourage very greatly, creativity in a student.
What influenced you to design the Sand Casting Mural of the Buddha outside the Art room?
There are fish, elephants, flowers, leaves, the face of the Buddha in the centre, and the universe, i.e, the chakram which, is the symbol of time. The Art room is like a holy place, like a temple, where our young artists can get peace and happiness by discovering and using their creative powers. In one whole picture, the definition of Art, and its advantages can be shown to the students.
When did you sculpt it?
In 1984, during Mr.Dutt's time, and he provided lots of encouragement. Mr.Purohit and Mr. Bose also encouraged me a lot. Sir, please tell us about the sculptures at the Basalat Jah Stadium. There was an inter school sports meet during Mr.Purohit's time and the sculptures were made in a record 1 ½ months, we worked day and night, even till 3 in the morning! After coming from sculpting, I would take rest, get ready, have breakfast and go for taking classes. During this period, I never missed my classes. After 3 in the afternoon, I would return to sculpting. Mr. Purohit was astonished seeing the work done in 1 ½ months. At that time, Mr.C.M.B.Yadav, was both Physical Director and Estate Manager. He helped me a lot. It was a part of beautifying our environment.
What is your message to the students of HPS in relation to Art?
The student should continue to paint, through whatever they like, oil, water, pencil sketches etc. Even If you are not good, you should keep trying, for it is your creativity that gets enhanced. This should not be ignored just because it is not counted in examinations. Through examinations, you get to know your results after one year, whereas, in Art, in 1 or 2 weeks, when you complete your painting, you get immense pleasure, a sense of accomplishment. It also increases your concentration and confidence-confidence in your work. It will help you improve in your studies, it will help you in reaching your goal an destination in life.
What improvements should be made in the Art Department of our school?
* 1 ½ hour continuously classes, once a week should be brought back, because the thought flow gets hindered if a student paints in breaks.
* A lot of colours don't get wasted because, if Art is taught in short spells, the students' mind becomes erratic and it is shown in the painting.
* In the long term, clay modelling and sculpture should be started again, though a separate room should be provided.
* The Management should show more importance to Art, and not discount it as unimportant because it is a subject that is not marked.
* It should be respected more because it enhances the creative abilities of the child.
* Section wise Art competitions should be held to trace out the talented students. Our school should not be satisfied because it is the beast at Art in Hyderabad, but should internally, keep improving the quality of the students to a national level. Students should participate in more competitions.
In the present, in society, what do you feel about the position of Art?
In India the respect for Art is low. It is a poor country, it is tough for an artist to live. Some people hang paintings in their house for decoration but don't buy it for its real value. This is a good sign. After buying and seeing it in the house, they get accustomed to the painting or sculpture, they then get to understand and observe the texture, depth, colour scheme and the moods, and feelings of the artist. After observing this, they get to enjoy the painting.
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