Reddy, Krishna

Bulging Tuatara, c. 1953

Image for Bulging Tuatara, c. 1953

Born near Chitoor, Andhra Pradesh, Reddy was one of India’s most prominent print artists. He taught at New York University as a professor and was head of the Department of Graphics and Printmaking in the School of Education (now the Steinhardt School) from 1976, and was named professor emeritus in 2002. Reddy began his art career at the age of 16 in the artists’ enclave of Santiniketan. After completing his studies there at the age of 21 he emigrated to England, where he enrolled at London’s Slade School and studied with the sculptor Henry Moore. In the early 1950s Reddy moved to Paris, where he worked alongside Stanley William Hayter in his print studio, Atelier 17.

At Atelier 17, Reddy produced both sculptural and painterly works, traits reflected in the rich textures of Bulging Tuatara, seen here, and Seed Pushing (G2014.4.1) and Many and The One (G1975.571). He often explores themes of nature and spirituality, reducing phenomena to abstract geometric forms that pulse with vitality. Line serves as his primary element, and through its repetition Reddy creates images radiating generative force.

Medium Etching on paper
Dimensions 26 x 19 3/4 in.
Credit Line Grey Art Gallery, New York University Art Collection
Donor Gift of the artist
Object ID G2014.4.2

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Collection Years: c. 1953