HYDERABAD: Batik artist Yasala Balaiah, who passed away due to age-related issues on Wednesday at the age of 81, was known for his unique style.
Born in Ibrahimpur in Siddipet district in 1939, Balaiah started his career as an art teacher in 1962 before developing an interest in batik.
He would go on to become an expert in the technique, with his depictions of rural men and women engaged in the ritual of everyday chores, executed in bold, earthy tones.
While batik is an Indonesian technique that uses dye-resistant wax to create patterns, Balaiah’s dexterity in the medium earned him the nickname ‘Batik Balaiah’.
His art was an uncontrived response to the rural landscape and its people, striking in its use of subjects with burnt brown and rich, navy skin.
In later years, Balaiah retired from his job as a teacher and devoted himself to his art. He was the recipient of several awards, including a Veteran Artist award by All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi and the National Award for Teachers by the President of India.
Some of his well-known paintings are Shakuntala, Mirror Lady, Methukuseema and Geetha Parishrama.
An acquaintance of chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Balaiah was also involved in designing the Telangana Talli statue.
Finance minister T Harish Rao condoled his death.