The Character of Light
Dinesh Magar paints using a range of media. Filmed under five different forms of light, its reactions on the artwork are interpreted by veteran photographer Sudhir Ramchandran.
By Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
An alumni of Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, the artist says that he has always been fascinated by mythological subjects.
A unique innovation, Magar's paintings on brass involve transferring and then etching contemporary subjects on brass sheets. The multi-stage process requires remarkable dexterity to ensure that the colours are separated during application and remain distinct. Special stoving enamel paints are used, and mixed to achieve the desired colour. Etching and colouring is done manually, and following the latter, the plates are transferred to industrial ovens at temperatures between 180 and 250 degrees.
Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation requested the well-known photographer Sudhir Ramchandran, CEO/Founder of VizioHub Singapore and SR Visual Strategies India, to interpret the manner in which five forms of light have reacted to the artist's work.
Sudhir Ramchandran
As a visual strategist, he is constantly developing photography techniques to help brands and businesses connect effectively with the millennial mindset. This helps to create a more focused-to-the-relevant audience photography that results in consumers buying into it.
The character of the artwork is influenced by colour temperature, direction of the light, size of the sensor, and affinity and contrast values. The painting has been examined under sunlight, tungsten, flash strobe, LED tube and UV backlight. Each light source generates a specific colour temperature on the artwork.
"Though the artworks were not photographed by me, we lit and photographed two of Dinesh Magar's work in my studio. The position and size of the light decides clarity of an artwork. The larger the sensor, the better the tonal distribution", Sudhir Ramchandran.
Mahavishnu (2019-10) by Dinesh MagarSandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
Sunlight
Filmed under natural light, in this case sunlight from above, the painting appears brighter on the top and darker below. Details of the 'Adiseshan' or snake, are more visible than the details on the necklace. The angle of light is critical in bringing out accents accurately.
Mahavishnu in tungsten (2019-10) by Dinesh MagarSandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
Tungsten
There is a yellowish cast of light on the painting, enhancing the red and yellow hues in the work. Gold work in the background is prominent due to this form of light. However the yellow tints steal other light effects from the facial expression.
Mahavishnu in flash strobe (2019-10) by Dinesh MagarSandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
Flash Strobe
Here the colour values are more accurate, for examples orange and yellow colours have better tones. Also the detailing on the chin is more clear. The cheek zones appear dark as there is no light reflecting on them.
Mahavishnu in LED (2019-10) by Dinesh MagarSandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
LED Tubelight
Position of the light is centred so details are very accurate in this area especially background icons, necklace, cheek details and earrings. Colour temperature of 5600 K reflects the deeper reds from ear and lip sections. The headgear appears darker due to light positioning.
Mahavishnu in UV light (2019-10) by Dinesh MagarSandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
Ultra Violet Backlight
The invisible part of the spectrum has reacted with the orange to create a deep magenta by absorbing yellow and reflecting magenta from the red wavelength. The visible part of the spectrum has disappeared and every colour wavelength has been absorbed, leaving only black.
Imagine how a jewel must glitter as you turn it in your hand and each facet catches light in a certain way. Now imagine getting all the sparkles into one frame without turning it. As photographers we need to create an image without the viewer having to look at each facet of the artwork from different angles. The solution is to get one perfect frame where all the best parts of each element shines through and touches the viewer in a special way.
Images & references: Dinesh Magar
Photography & special effects: Nandith Jaisimha, Studio 080
Text & interpretation: Sudhir Ramachandran
Additional inputs & curation: Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation
