THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

AKKIRAJU RAMANA 

There is something about the butterfly that seems to inspire us.

The butterfly is a profound and enduring symbol of change and self-transformation.

Its journey and metamorphosis from humble earthbound caterpillar to winged beauty carries a powerful meaning. As delicate as it seems, and complex its transformation is, when it emerges from its cocoon it does so with the gift of flight.

Observing it close we infer that change can be time consuming, uncertain or difficult and yet can also lead to exceptional results. The butterfly teaches us the value of letting go of the old, in order to discover the new. It helps us realize the value of growth, patience, perseverance, adaptation and faith.

Ramana finds inspiration in nature foremost and the butterfly in particular. The featureless faces of Ramana’s figures who populate his canvas are draped in graded hues, akin to his winged inspiration and they are captured in transition. Like a cocoon that shields the process, similarly the faces are devoid of expression, their myriad experiences not revealed and left much to viewer interpretation. From their body language we can infer that they aspire to mimic the butterfly’s resilience to move through different cycles, mirroring journeys of regeneration, renewal, expansion and rebirth. Yet they don’t reveal their emotions. There is a sense of calm before the flight as if spellbound in their personal space.

The series captures the artist’s personal choices, celebrating the beauty and ingenuity of the butterfly and the human beings that emulate its complexity.

Shalini Biswajit