Artist Surya remembered fondly

Eminent artist Surya Prakash passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at age of 79. The prominent name in the city, Surya Prakash, was known for his abstract landscapes and love for nature was evident in his artworks.

Having gained his training from Hyderabad's College of Fine Arts in 1956, and from being a struggling artist living out of his little studio along with co-artists and friends like – Laxma Goud and Devraj, Surya Prakash had come a long way to become an international artist of repute.

Open to newer ideas and forms, he stood as an inspiration to Hyderabad art world, and young artists, who wished to break the boundaries. His earlier sketches, to impressionist landscapes to the recent images of Europe in watercolours, Surya Prakash under his calm demeanour was a restless artist. The art fraternity of Hyderabad has lost not just a senior artist, but an inspirational figure that they looked upto.

- Inputs from Askari Jaffer

"I would call him a gentleman artist. There was a rare finesse in his artwork and work ethics. He was ever supportive to the cause of art and artists. Will miss you Surya Prakash sir. May your soul rest in peace. It is another huge blow for the family after losing their daughter recently; May god give them courage and fortitude to bear the loss."

- Avani Rao Gandra, Iconart Gallery

"He was the first person in Hyderabad, who started an art gallery 'Surya Art Gallery'. He was the first person, who got many senior artists to Hyderabad and was a great one himself."

- Hanumantha Rao, Gallery Space

"When I heard about his demise, I didn't believe. He was doing well, nobody expected this. As an artist, we should not forget his contribution and how he helped upcoming artists. He started the culture of conducting camps. He was a progressive and creative thinker. I used to call him Doctor. He was very down to earth person. He recently exhibited his works in Mangalore and invited me and also booked a ticket for me to attend the event; very few artists do that. He wanted me to write a book on him and we were working on the same, I have all his recordings and will write soon.

- Anand Gadapa, artist

"I am feeling sad by the sudden demise of the great artist Surya Prakash, my deepest condolences to his family members."

- Dr K Lakshmi, director, State Gallery of Art

"I am shocked and saddened to hear about his passing away. An artist, who was at the forefront of the Hyderabad art movement and known for his paintings which celebrated nature. But to me, my family and Shrishti, he was more than an artist. He was a friend, a well-wisher, a man we looked up to and loved dearly, a man who exudes calmness... a thorough gentleman. Such a man will never truly be gone, for he has left such a loving presence in our hearts."

- Lakshmi Nambiar, Shrishti Art Gallery

"When I used to come to Hyderabad to meet my in-laws, I would surely visit his studio. One day in 2006, I told him that I wanted to exhibit my artworks in a show along with senior artists like him, Thota Vaikuntam, Laxma Goud and junior artists Nandini, Laxman Aelay, Raghuram and he gave me LV Prasad Gallery; we did the same show in Mumbai Nehru Centre.

He was the one, who gave me all big shows, he introduced me to all big people. And this coming December, we were about to do a show at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, and every week he used to call me to discuss the same. I lost my guide, mentor, art patron, and a great artist. Last time I came for his birthday in March and he said that that was his first birthday… and unfortunately, that was his last."

- Manvinder Dawer, Owner/Partner at India Fine Art, Mumbai