At the cusp of creativity and ingenuity lies the pure essence of art, a realm where predictability is dethroned by the multitude of its manifestations. It is within this artistic domain that the large installation of Ganesha by Thota Tharani captures the eyes and hearts of onlookers. Positioned at the Spirit building, adjacent to Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad, this centerpiece is a testament to the innovative spirit of Hue, the expansive art showcase curated in collaboration with actor-producer Rana Daggubati’s South Bay. Presented by EkChitra, the showcase aims to transcend the traditional art gallery confines, propelling the works of creative geniuses into more accessible, vivid realms.
Thota Tharani, an artist and production designer of repute, commands attention through his installation titled ‘mechanical deity’. From afar, the familiar iconography of Ganesha beckons, but as one draws nearer, the assembly of wooden prototypes, indistinguishable from machinery parts, reveals the true depth of the artisan’s mastery. The installation stands not only as a religious symbol but as a reverberation of tradition intermeshed with modern engineering.
Nearby, Pulkit Prajapati’s mixed media artwork casts a tangible spell with its enameling techniques, evoking the serene splendor of nature amidst sunset hues. Enamel layers develop unique textures, an experimental approach that heightens the visual dialogue between the piece and its audience.
The showcase comprises nearly 100 artworks by 33 artists from around India, all housed within the Spirit, a structure with a storied past as a visual effects and animation studio and later the learning centre for ACK (Amar Chitra Katha) Alive. The inauguration, presided over by film producer Suresh Babu Daggubati, set the stage for an eclectic exhibition that runs until January 28.
Legendary painter Thota Vaikuntam’s work is an immediate standout, depicting a rural Telangana woman in hues of vermillion and turmeric. The painting from the 1990s resonates with a timeless appeal, striking a chord with enthusiasts familiar with Vaikuntam’s iconic style. Charanjeet’s paintings weave a tapestry that mixes mythology and architecture, as does Ankon Mitra through his ‘oritecture’— a blend of origami and architectural design — backlit to elicit awe and reflection.
Subodh Kerkar lends a metallic sheen to his woodcraft murals, inviting viewers to contemplate his piece ‘Marine Disc’. This narrative-driven installation, featuring an object immersed in the sea to allow oyster shells to affix to its surface, alongside fragments of an old fishing boat, blends natural marine processes with artistic intervention.
Hue also hosts an array of paintings and sculptures centered around fauna. Nayakoti Damodar’s mixed media works burst with color, adopting forms reminiscent of children’s toys, while Jagdeesh Tamminenni’s woodcut block print series on tigers defy reality, adopting a surreal, dreamlike quality. Sculptors Masuram Ravikanth, Dhruv Patel, and C Venugopal capture the animal kingdom in various mediums, leading the audience on a journey through nature’s diversity.
Cityscapes hold a significant place within the exhibition as well. Praveen Kumar and Himanshu Joshi explore urban environments through mixed media, with Kumar’s canvases punctuated by explosive red tones amidst monochromatic skies and Joshi’s pieces highlighting the humanity of high-rise dwellers during twilight’s play of light and shadow.
Hue celebrates not just the range of art forms but the spectrum of artists themselves, encompassing the work of veterans like Thota Tharani, A Rajeshwar Rao, and Padma Reddy to emerging talents like Trupti Joshi, Vishakha Hardikar, and Portarasan. It’s an invitation to viewers: a call to step in and embrace the myriad explorations of art in one unified space.
As Hue opens its doors till January 28 beside Ramanaidu Studios, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, it offers not just a glimpse but an immersive experience into the soul of artistic endeavor, a rare opportunity to witness the confluence of varied expressions and generations of artists under one roof.
