Shibu Natesan

Shibu Natesan

Shibu Natesan was born in Trivandrum in 1966. Painting from a young age, Natesan decided to pursue his interest in art and studied Painting at the College of Fine Arts, Trivandrum, Kerala, in the turbulent 1980s, which played a lasting role in his influences, from Latin American films and literature and the highly influential cinema of the period.

In 1989, this was followed by a Master’s Degree in Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Baroda, a period in which Natesan was introduced to the narrative tendencies of the Baroda School and inspired by artists such as Bhupen Khakhar. Natesan’s early works focused on the imbalance in the dominant power structures of society, highlighted through highly photoreal art. His early influences included the photorealistic paintings of Gerhard Richter, the expressive figurative works of Richard Hamilton and Vija Celmins, as well as the broader cultural forces that influenced the Indian art world of the period.

Natesan had his first major exhibition with a series of paintings titled The Futility of Device, held at Sakshi Gallery in 1995, which “displayed [relics] in the grim chambers of memory, symbols of aggression which repeat themselves with oppressive regularity.” In 1996 1997 he was selected for a Residency at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam, where he was awarded the Uriot Prize in 1996. 

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Natesan’s work was characterised by critical responses to the political turmoil of the era, with subject matter derived from popular culture and Expressionist artworks. Marked by characteristic photorealism, glossy finishes and metallic paint, his works of this period encouraged the viewer to focus their gaze so as to address their own beliefs, ranging from the sociopolitical to the religious to the issues of migration.

This was followed by a turn away from photographic art, with a slow transition into plein air and still life painting. Natesan’s recent works are primarily landscapes and still lifes, with attention given to the painterly aspects of the genres as light, shadow, and atmosphere in the manner of 19th- and early-20th-century European Impressionists, whom he is inspired by. Natesan makes a study of the changing conditions that he paints with an eye that is almost photographic, and transfers the serenity that he says painting gives him into his brushstrokes.

Natesan’s work has been exhibited widely both in India and internationally. He has held solo exhibitions with international galleries such as Grosvenor Gallery, London; Aicon Gallery, New York; Jack Shainman Gallery, New York; and Galerie Nanky de Vreeze, Amsterdam.

Some of his major participations and international shows include Sightings: Out of the Wild, curated by Roobina Karode, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, 2019; Bhupen Khakhar’s Contemporaries: India 1960-2016, Grosvenor Gallery, London, 2016; Mapmakers II: The Evolution of Contemporary Indian Art, Aicon Gallery, New York, 2013; Art for Humanity. 

CSMVS, Mumbai, 2012; Of Gods and Goddesses: Cinema, Cricket: The New Cultural Icons of India, curated by Arshiya Lokhandwala, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, 2011; Parallel Realities, The Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale, Japan, 2005; ARS 01: Unfolding Perspectives, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Helsinki, Finland, 2002; Pictures of Pictures, curated by Lynda Morris, Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, Norwich Gallery, Norwich, England; among others.

Artworks By Shibu Natesan

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  1. Retro

    Retro

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 60.96 x 45.72 | Inches : 24 x 18
    Watercolour on Paper

  2. Fruit Shop

    Fruit Shop

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 60.96 x 45.72 | Inches : 24 x 18
    Watercolour on Paper

  3. Fancy Fish

    Fancy Fish

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 60.96 x 45.72 | Inches : 24 x 18
    Watercolour on Paper

  4. Wrist Watch

    Wrist Watch

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 23.495 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.25 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  5. Untitled

    Untitled

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 36.195 x 46.99 | Inches : 14.25 x 18.5
    Oil on Panel

  6. Untitled

    Untitled

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.5 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  7. Swati Market, Baroda

    Swati Market, Baroda

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 50.8 x 40.64 | Inches : 20 x 16
    Oil on Panel

  8. Still Life

    Still Life

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 21.59 x 24.13 | Inches : 8.5 x 9.5
    Oil on Panel

  9. Snack Packs

    Snack Packs

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 30.48 | Inches : 9.5 x 12
    Oil on Panel

  10. Sisters of Mercy

    Sisters of Mercy

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 43.18 x 63.5 | Inches : 17 x 25
    Oil on Panel

  11. Silent Witness

    Silent Witness

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 68.58 x 60.96 | Inches : 27 x 24
    Oil on Canvas Board

  12. Swati Market, Baroda

    Swati Market, Baroda

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.5 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  13. Swati Market, Baroda

    Swati Market, Baroda

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.5 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  14. Statue at Night

    Statue at Night

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 30.48 x 25.4 | Inches : 12 x 10
    Oil on Panel

  15.  Midnight Riders

    Midnight Riders

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 50.8 x 31.75 | Inches : 20 x 12.5
    Oil on Board

  16. Indian Flags

    Indian Flags

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.5 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  17. Baroda

    Baroda

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 39.37 x 31.115 | Inches : 15.5 x 12.25
    Oil on Panel

  18. Self-Reflection on Helmet Visor

    | Cms : 21.59 x 28.575 | Inches : 8.5 x 11.25
    Oil on Panel

  19. Rubber Gloves

    Rubber Gloves

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 22.225 x 38.735 | Inches : 8.75 x 15.25
    Oil on Panel

  20. Rambutan Flowers

    Rambutan Flowers

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 63.5 x 42.545 | Inches : 25 x 16.75
    Oil on Panel

  21. Returned Speed

    Returned Speed

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 40.64 x 45.72 | Inches : 16 x 18
    Oil on Canvas Board

  22. Rambutan Flowers

    Rambutan Flowers

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 63.5 x 42.545 | Inches : 25 x 16.75
    Oil on Panel

  23. Rambutan Flowers

    Rambutan Flowers

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 23.495 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.25 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  24. Palm Leaf

    Palm Leaf

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 15.24 x 20.955 | Inches : 6 x 8.25
    Oil on Panel

  25. Newspaper Wraps

    Newspaper Wraps

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 29.845 x 39.37 | Inches : 11.75 x 15.5
    Oil on Canvas Board

  26. Mirror Reflection (Still Life)

    | Cms : 30.48 x 25.4 | Inches : 12 x 10
    Oil on Panel

  27. Majority

    Majority

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 20.32 x 35.56 | Inches : 8 x 14
    Oil on Panel

  28. Lord Muruga and Valli

    Lord Muruga and Valli

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 14.605 x 17.78 | Inches : 5.75 x 7
    Oil on Panel

  29. London Tower (Tourist Souvenir)

    | Cms : 29.21 x 21.59 | Inches : 11.5 x 8.5
    Oil on Panel

  30. Ladies Watch

    Ladies Watch

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 13.335 x 25.4 | Inches : 5.25 x 10
    Oil on Panel

  31. Kamadhenu

    Kamadhenu

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 36.195 x 46.99 | Inches : 14.25 x 18.5
    Oil on Panel

  32. Joseph's shoes of many colours

    | Cms : 36.195 x 46.99 | Inches : 14.25 x 18.5
    Oil on Panel

  33. Infant Krishna

    Infant Krishna

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 35.56 x 39.37 | Inches : 14 x 15.5
    Oil on Canvas Board

  34. Four favorites

    Four favorites

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 68.58 x 60.96 | Inches : 27 x 24
    Oil on Canvas Board

  35. Family Album

    Family Album

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 30.48 x 46.99 | Inches : 12 x 18.5
    Oil on Panel

  36. Electrocuted Bat

    Electrocuted Bat

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 20.32 x 15.24 | Inches : 8 x 6
    Oil on Panel

  37. Coins and Rubber Gloves

    Coins and Rubber Gloves

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 29.845 x 54.61 | Inches : 11.75 x 21.5
    Oil on Panel

  38. Chinese Tea Cups

    Chinese Tea Cups

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 30.48 x 46.99 | Inches : 12 x 18.5
    Oil on Panel

  39. Broken Ceramic Head

    Broken Ceramic Head

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 15.24 x 20.32 | Inches : 6 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  40. Asiatic Rhinosaurus Beetle

    | Cms : 14.605 x 20.32 | Inches : 5.75 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  41. Arrangement for a Still Life

    | Cms : 24.13 x 20.32 | Inches : 9.5 x 8
    Oil on Panel

  42. Aloe Vera Plant,

    Aloe Vera Plant,

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 35.56 x 47.625 | Inches : 14 x 18.75
    Oil on Panel

  43. Time is the Mastel

    Time is the Mastel

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 36.83 x 39.37 | Inches : 14.5 x 15.5
    Oil on Panel

  44. Satin

    Satin

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 50.8 x 33.02 | Inches : 20 x 13
    Oil on Panel

  45. Friends

    Friends

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 63.5 x 43.18 | Inches : 25 x 17
    Oil on Panel

  46. Embellishment,

    Embellishment,

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 36.83 x 39.37 | Inches : 14.5 x 15.5
    Oil on Panel

  47. Hanged

    Hanged

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 36.83 x 39.37 | Inches : 14.5 x 15.5
    Oil on Panel

  48. Stored Furniture

    Stored Furniture

    Shibu Natesan


    Oil on Panel

  49. Kamatibaug Vadodara

    Kamatibaug Vadodara

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 21.59 x 29.21 | Inches : 8.5 x 11.5
    Oil on Panel

  50. Kamatibaug Vadodara

    Kamatibaug Vadodara

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 21.59 x 29.21 | Inches : 8.5 x 11.5
    Oil on Panel

  51. Fruits

    Fruits

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 25.4 x 30.48 | Inches : 10 x 12
    Oil on Panel

  52. Dragon Fruit

    Dragon Fruit

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 25.4 x 30.48 | Inches : 10 x 12
    Oil on Panel

  53. Back of a Mind

    Back of a Mind

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 30.48 x 25.4 | Inches : 12 x 10
    Oil on Panel

  54. Neminath 22nd Tirthankara

    | Cms : 33.02 x 50.8 | Inches : 13 x 20
    Oil on Panel

  55. Life

    Life

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 33.02 x 50.8 | Inches : 13 x 20
    Oil on Panel

  56. Last Apple from Tabo

    Last Apple from Tabo

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 20.32 x 35.56 | Inches : 8 x 14
    Oil on Panel

  57. Corn

    Corn

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 20.32 x 35.56 | Inches : 8 x 14
    Oil on Panel

  58. Melons

    Melons

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 17.78 x 35.56 | Inches : 7 x 14
    Oil on Panel

  59. String

    String

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 15.24 x 30.48 | Inches : 6 x 12
    Oil on Panel

  60. Still Life

    Still Life

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 21.59 | Inches : 9.5 x 8.5
    Oil on Panel

  61. Untitled

    Untitled

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 21.59 | Inches : 9.5 x 8.5
    Oil on Panel

  62. Bell 1

    Bell 1

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 24.13 x 21.59 | Inches : 9.5 x 8.5
    Oil on Panel

  63. Bell 2

    Bell 2

    Shibu Natesan


    Oil on Panel

  64. Set For a Popular Song

    Set For a Popular Song

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 114.3 x 91.44 | Inches : 45 x 36

  65. Still Life

    Still Life

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 60.96 x 60.96 | Inches : 24 x 24
    Oil on Canvas

  66. Still Life

    Still Life

    Shibu Natesan

    | Cms : 50.8 x 40.64 | Inches : 20 x 16
    Oil on Canvas

  67. Untitled

    Untitled

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 60.96 x 45.72 | Inches : 24 x 18
    Watercolour on Paper

  68. Untitled

    Untitled

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 60.96 x 45.72 | Inches : 24 x 18
    Watercolour on Paper

  69. SHEEP

    SHEEP

    Shibu Natesan

    Painting | Cms : 149.86 x 119.38 | Inches : 59 x 47
    Watercolour on Paper

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