New Delhi: While most people are familiar
with the Telangana movement for a separate state, they remain
unaware of the rich traditions of art of the region which
include Deccan miniature paintings, folk art, leather puppetry
and Buddhist sculptures.
Over 50 pieces of art- paintings, drawings and
sculptures exhibited in the capital over the past week by 40
artists depicted the lifestyle and habits of people over 60
years from the Telangana region.
"The works displayed belong to artists especially
painters from the post Independence era. This particular body
of work is being collectively shown for the first time," says
B Narsinga Rao who has curated the exhibition, Art@ Telangana.
Tagged between Rs 20 lakhs and Rs 9.5 lakh the works
of art are spanning over four generations have been witnessing
considerable interest, according to the curator.
"There are at least 12 artists who are internationally
renowned and have been in demand in the world art market,"
says Rao adding that 10 paintings have been sourced from a
private collection.
Themes of the works which are created on different
media including oil on canvass, and mixed media portray
landscapes, mythological themes, folklore, rural backgrounds
as well as urban situations and abstracts.
Some featured painters like Lakshma Goud, Surya
Prakash, Gouri Shankar, Kondapalli Sheshagiri Rao have come to
be known internationally since they began work.
"The next generation of artists are exhibiting their
skill and building platforms readying for a jump start," says
Rao.
According to the curator the history of the Telangana
region runs back to 500 BC. "Gadha SapthaSathi", a manuscript
belonging to the first century AD compiled during the the
period of King Hala, is an important manuscript. Also are
cities like Kotilngala and Kondapur which were the zeniths of
perfection during the period of `Sathavahanas`.
Ramappa temple built during the reign of the kakatiyas
is a symphony in stone. Buddhist sculptures of Nagarjuna Konda
are world known art pieces.
"The folklore of the region is very strong. There are
countless mural paintings in the temples and royal chambers.
epitomes of janapada or folk art like kaakipadagalu and
leather puppetry of Cheryal in Warangal district are in the
league of Telangana cultural heritage. The deccan miniature
paintings reflect the affluence of richness the land holds,"
he says.
The exhibition moves on to Chawla Art Gallery in the
capital where it will be displayed for some time.
PTI
