Here’s a movement that aims to promote Telangana’s art and artists globally
INITIATIVE: (Top row) Artists Anand Gadapa, Fawad Tamkanat, Sajid, B. Narsing Rao, Krishna, Laxman Aelay. (Front row) Gowri Vemula, Kavita Deuskar, Anjani Reddy and Preeti Samyukta
A first-of-its-kind movement aimed at promoting the peculiarities of the Telangana region’s artistic traditions, began on Saturday. Art@Telangana will take place in two phases involving 90 prominent artists from Telangana, including veterans like T. Vaikuntam and Laxma Goud. The first phase that is scheduled to last till October 30, features 50 artists, while the next phase will feature the remaining 40 artists.
‘For people to experience art’
The atmosphere at the Taramati Baradari on Saturday was like a family get-together. Senior artists like Surya Prakash, Kavitha Deuskar and Anjani Reddy were seen immersed in their canvases.
“The camp aims at giving the general public an idea of how an artist works – from how an idea is formed to how it materialises into art,” explained Laxman Aelay, one of the core members behind the art camp. Other core members include Papa Rao, IAS; Niranjan Reddy and S. Vaidehi Reddy.
A coffee table book
Then there’s National award-winning film-maker and artist B. Narsing Rao, who has been instrumental in creating a coffee table book, documenting a 100 years of Telangana Art.“It all began in 2010, when a group of about 40 artists had a show at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre. And we have been working since then to bring artists together and also to produce a book,” Rao says.“So, the overlapping of the new state formation with the launch of this forum was just a mere coincidence,” adds Aelay.
The timing also happens to be good for the artists as the city is gearing up for the Metropolis World Congress. “On October 6, we have a meet and greet session with the world delegates and the art will be on display,” says Aelay.The book is slated for a launch at the Metropolis World Congress.
Royal and Govt support
While Princess Esra has come forward to support the artists with a nod for an Art Fair at the Falaknuma Palace (in November), the Tourism Department has also decided to support the camp.The artists, however, managed to raise funds for the camp, via a barter system with corporates for support, in exchange of art.
En route, Delhi
The final destination for the artwork will be a stall at the upcoming India Art Fair in Delhi. “We will be promoting Telangana art at the fair and there would be an electronic display of artists — using the website – and their works from Telangana,” says Aelay.
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