J.M.S Mani

JMS Mani: An Artist Rooted in Earth and Emotion

JMS Mani’s body of work stands as a testament to a life deeply entwined with the land, its people, and the passage of time. His most iconic contribution to Indian contemporary art—the Badami Series—has become a visual idiom in itself. Inspired by the temple town of Badami in Karnataka, these works portray rural life with reverence and intimacy. The people of Badami—vendors, farmers, women in traditional attire—are rendered with bold lines, exaggerated forms, and vivid colour, capturing their resilience, simplicity, and dignity.

What makes the Badami Series so enduring is its ability to elevate the everyday into something timeless. Mani doesn't romanticize rural life, but instead honours its rhythm and quiet grandeur. His compositions are filled with metaphor and symbolism, but grounded in reality. The exaggerated features of his figures—broad limbs, strong profiles—are not caricatures but emblems of strength and endurance.

Beyond Badami, landscapes hold a special place in Mani’s practice. His landscapes are not mere representations of nature, but meditative studies in stillness and mood. Whether capturing the foothills of a mountain, the shadows in a courtyard, or the horizon stretching across rural terrain, Mani uses light and colour to slow time, offering viewers an escape into contemplative silence. His landscapes don’t just depict places—they evoke emotion, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging.

Mani’s versatility as an artist is further reflected in his printmaking. He has worked extensively with techniques such as etching, aquatint, and serigraphy, bringing the same depth and thoughtfulness to his prints as he does to his paintings. His prints often echo the themes of his painted works—figures, village scenes, and symbolic elements—while introducing a sense of intimacy through line and texture. His command over tonal variation and form in printmaking reveals a deep understanding of material and process.

In recent years, JMS Mani has also explored sculpture, working in bronze with patina finishes. These three-dimensional forms retain the same stylistic qualities of his two-dimensional work—rounded figures, expressive postures, and a grounded physicality. His sculptures carry a sense of permanence, anchoring his artistic vision into tangible form. Whether standing alone or as part of a series, these works feel monumental, yet accessible—embodying both fragility and strength.

Across all mediums—painting, printmaking, or sculpture—JMS Mani’s art is united by a deep emotional authenticity and an unwavering connection to his cultural roots. He does not chase trends or Western influences; rather, he draws from the soil of his homeland, from its people, rituals, and rhythms. In doing so, Mani has created a language that is deeply personal, yet universally resonant—an enduring contribution to Indian art.