A walk through ‘Nizams of Art’, by eminent artists Thota Vaikuntam and K. Laxma Goud, was a spellbound experience all together. The exhibition presents the rustic, potent and sensuous imageries depicting the life and people from the Deccan region.Curated by Pranamita Borgohain, who has been part of many important projects like the Kochi Biennale 2014, ‘Nizams of Art’ showcases the works of the master artists, both carving out a different trajectory with diverse mediums and working methods, yet connected with a kinetic string that brings out the Indian ethos with bucolic naivety.While the exhibition has an introductory section showcasing the signature styles of both the artists, it also brings out their experimentation with different mediums like prints and charcoal.Vivid pigments and fine controlled strokes give Vaikuntam’s art a depth and a sense of strength, while Goud is recognised for his powerful line drawings, etchings and water colours.K Laxma Goud has completed his Diploma in Drawing and Painting from Government School of Art and Architecture, Hyderabad, 1963 and also studied Mural Painting and Printmaking at M.S. University, Baroda. Goud is a versatile printmaker and painter and has worked in a variety of mediums from traditional oils, to water colour, pen, ink, coloured pencil and etchings, to a series of bronze and terracotta sculptures, etching, gouache, pastel and glass paintings.Talking about his source of creation and what really inspires him, Laxma says, “My source of inspiration has been his childhood in Nizampur, Medak district and his teacher Prof. KG Subramanyam. My images have been powerful, culturally unpolluted, and strong in sensibilities. The flora and fauna are typically lush and wild, and men and women are clad in colorful lungis and saris and bejeweled with traditional tribal ornaments.” Though his work portrays quotidian scenes of common folk, it depicts a sort of fantasy world. Humor, earthiness and vitality emerge as he transform the characters of his work—man into goat, goat into woman, and man and woman peer lustfully at each other. That “earthiness” can seem gross, caricatured, but it’s also just a reflection, perhaps, of basic human discomfort with the body, or with nature. He sees eroticism in nature itself.Thota Vaikuntam has studied at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad. Apart from painting, he laid his hands on film set designs and was awarded for his role as an Art Director for the film called 'Daasi'.“For me, it was always the people of my native Telangana who have been my inspiration. Intimacy and universality, colours and form, everything is here. I never had to look elsewhere for inspiration; it was always all around me,” says Vaikuntam about his creations and inspirations.Vaikuntam’s biggest solo show is going on at London’s Grosvenor Gallery and will be on till October, 2016. The Gallery is hosting the artist’s works 30 paintings, a collection filled with his trademark imagery titled ‘Thota Vaikuntam: The Telangana Icons’.“I’ve always found great feedback at my international shows. Indians abroad, especially from this part of the country feel a sense of belonging when they see my work. But for foreigners it’s different. They love the strokes of paint, the colours and the entire scene,” he says.Nizams of Art runs at the Sanchit Art through 22 Feb 2016 – 30 Mar 2016
11 am- 7 pm.
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