Func on canvas

Shaa’ir+Func and Pentagram guitarist Randolph Correia wields sketch pens, pencils for art show.

Randolph Correia may be better known as part of popular acts like Shaa’ir+Func and Pentagram, but he’s now showing a side to his creativity that most haven’t seen. The guitarist and music composer has gone back to art, a talent he’d put on the backburner over a decade ago when Pentagram was formed.

Shaa-ir-Func-band

Between 1995-97, the JJ School of Arts school graduate had displayed his conceptual and abstract paintings at several shows. “But music was a passion, and when the band became successful, my art just took a backseat,” he recalls.

Now, Randolph has created 25 A3-size sketches for his friend, Karthikeyan Ramachandran’s graphic novel, 69. “Karthik gave me a script and wanted pictures around that. I felt good about helping out. It’s like going back to my roots. I have more time on my hands now because both bands are doing quite well, so I just kept drawing,” he explains.

After creating these works in sketch pen and pencil, the musician-artist is more open to hosting exhibits for his drawings and paintings, maybe even combining both talents on a common project. He says, “I’m keeping it open right now. I’ve been involved with designing the album covers for both Shaa’ir+Func and Pentagram. I sit with the designers and work with them. I haven’t physically used my hands in almost five years, so doing this exhibit feels quite special.”

The show is part of a series in which multiple artists are each illustrating a chapter of the graphic novel in their own style. Randolph’s works are for the third part of the series.

3/69, illustrated by Randolph Correia, is on display at False Ceiling Gallery, Bandra (W) till April 20.