The Family Managing His Legacy
The estate of artist Venkatraman Balu (a.k.a. V. Balu) is now overseen by his three sons, Ashok Balu, Vivek Balu, and Sanjay Balu, who have embraced the responsibility of honoring and extending their father’s artistic legacy. Their efforts ensure that his books, artwork, ideas, and dedication to advancing peace through art will continue to inspire and influence future generations who engage with his work.
Role of the estate
The three sons serve as custodians of V. Balu’s legacy, overseeing his artwork, archives, and intellectual property to ensure the continued visibility and significance of his artistic philosophy. Their stewardship is distinguished by a commitment to both preserving his work and fostering renewed engagement with his art.
Preservation of artwork and archives
Central to their efforts is the careful preservation and conservation of V. Balu’s artwork at his studio and gallery in Bengaluru. Each work is maintained with professional attention to storage, conservation, and, where necessary, restoration, so that the physical integrity of the pieces is sustained over time. The studio features his works, showing his artistic evolution, including murals, oil paintings, and paper collages. The studio also has a select number of works by his wife, the late Mrs Shakuntala Balu, who was also an artist and writer.
Stewardship of Legacy and Public Engagement
Communication and outreach
Beyond safeguarding the physical collection, the family is committed to sharing V. Balu’s ideas with wider audiences. They support reprints of his books and maintain a digital presence through official websites and other publications. Curated exhibitions, both at the studio/gallery and in collaboration with external institutions, introduce his work to new viewers with commentary on his contribution to art and culture.
Thoughtful commercialisation
Commercial aspects of the estate are approached with care and restraint. Reproduction, licensing, or sale of his works takes place only when it is consistent with the spirit of his practice and preserves the quality and authenticity associated with his name. This selective and responsible approach prevents overexposure or misuse, ensuring that any commercial activity reinforces, rather than diminishes, the significance of masterworks.
Ongoing legacy and impact
At the core of the estate’s mission is the long-term stewardship of V. Balu’s legacy. Ashok, Vivek, and Sanjay make considered decisions about how his work is presented, interpreted, and made available, balancing accessibility with respect for the integrity of the original creations.
Through preservation, public engagement, and carefully chosen collaborations, they aim to inspire future generations of artists, researchers, and admirers, ensuring the continuation of V. Balu’s creative vision and enabling his artwork to inform and transform.