J M Subramani, known as J M S Mani is an exceptional artist, born in 1949, in Bangalore, Karnataka He studied art under the guidance of R M Hadapad at Ken School of Art, Bangalore in 1974 Throughout his long career, he has experimented with various mediums such as sculpture, watercolour paintings, acrylic and oil paintings, printmaking etching, and mixed media works His abstract works are deeply influenced by nature depicting archetypes of trees, mountains, and monuments

Mani’s "Badami Series", a popular work features picturesque landscapes and the people engaged in daily activities He has utilised the impasto technique to highlight the vibrant colours of South India This work reflects his deep-rooted obsession with the lively culture of Badami His other notable works are impressionistic and surrealistic in style reflecting his artistic vision and the interplay of tradition and modernity

His works have been part of numerous solo and group exhibitions in India and abroad Many of his works are part of notable private and public collections worldwide The artist has been honoured with several awards including the Lalit Kala Academy Award (1981, 1983, and 1995) and Karnataka State Award (2006) He continues to work and lives in Bangalore