The story of art in Hyderabad is changing and how. While veteran artists continue their journey inspired by their muse, young artists are forging ahead experimenting. New media brings in novelty as artists approach it enthusiastically; some have even used sensors as a mode of expression! Sculptor
Shivarama Chary’s ‘Aura’ chair at the GES summit was an abstract work depicting various stages an entrepreneur goes through during the stint. He predicts that 2018 is going to be a good year as technology ups the ante, it will see more of the ‘conceptualising and presentation’ trend. “There will be more interactive art,” he asserts. “Art is no more stagnant; people want to see, experience and interact with it.” He shares how the world of sculptures has evolved with technology. “Earlier sculptures were about chisel and hammer. We have 3D software and laser technology to enhance. You only need a brilliant idea to execute one’s thoughts. If you do not update you will be away from the contemporary.”
Original idea
This urge to be relevant to the times and also create cutting-edge art to depict issues concerning us pushes artists to break shackles. “The time and space of the artist plays a major role in his expression,” observes artist Bobbili Srinivas adding these new ways are opportunities for traditional and contemporary artists to explore and express. Although this quest creates an exciting art scene, Srinivas points out the energy fades when artists replicate others. “An original idea helps an individual to evolve and will motivate them to look into different ways to express; The medium need not necessarily be a painting. But when they follow someone else’s approach, they will not be able to sustain.”
Thought inspires
Although he has experimented with installations, photography and video, Anila Kumar Govindappa is passionate about drawings. The young artist’s enthusiasm to add a fresh element in his works is constant. “The medium is not important. What is significant is the thought which inspires you to experience and express. Also, one need not make large works to make a point. Small details interest me,” he adds. The artist’s calendar this year will be filled with lessons on ‘gach.’ “It is a kind of cement used in forts and architectural spaces,” he states. ‘Monumental Love’ is the name of his series in this medium. “We often see people writing their names or drawing love symbols on walls. They are passionate to express and do not care whether this wall belongs to a historical place or toilet. I am not being judgemental or saying whether they are right or wrong. This work will be like a dialogue between the visitors and artist,” he enthuses.
Street art splash
Elsewhere, the street art splash continues as strokes and colours fills more walls on the Hyderabad roads. It is also noteworthy to mention about the city’s beatification and the pride it elicits. Artist Avani Rao Gandra hopes to see a canvas which expresses what we are going through. “We are more conventional in outlook. What we look forward to is more connect with the happenings. The environment is fast changing due to pollution and other factors. I hope to address these issues by using a new media in the form of installation and concept art,” she explains.
Talk about issues
She points out the circuit of young artists buzzes with creativity. “There are 10-15 artists who have preferred to stay back in Hyderabad and practice contemporary art and talk about feminine issues, environmental, political and economic issues.” However, she feels there is a small disconnect between public and practising artists which needs to be bridged. “People need to see and experience the idea of art as an expression and not mere aesthetic beauty. Look at poetry or literature which also talks about issues. People need to move with the times and the conscience has to be opened so that when we talk about women and environment in the works, it not only hits you hard but stays back.”
The time is right to introduce such practices in the city, Avani believes. “Consumerism has picked up and people are more aware. I am looking forward to an year where we we feel proud of the art and also show it to our children; something which is monumental and in our midst and not just in the gallery spaces.”
