This time around, Bengaluru Habba opens a Pandora’s box of art and culture, bringing together artistes from across the country and the world. Not just performing artistes, but art exhibitions like The Indian Art Trail — The Great Gallery Trail, for the first time this Habba, showcases artworks by an interesting mix of artists at several galleries across the city.
ITC Windsor and WelcomArt Gallery present one such exhibition titled ‘With Love from Hyderabad’, with works by lesser known artists from Hyderabad. It was inaugurated on December 16 at 7:30pm at WelcomArt Gallery at Windsor Manor.
The curator, Sangeeta Jung, wife of former cricketer Saad Bin Jung who is originally from Hyderabad, was only too delighted to use the opportunity to project Hyderabad artists at this platform. She says, “I grabbed this opportunity to help my artist friends get visibility through this festival.” Although not an artist herself, she is a fervent connoisseur of art who, after spending time with rural artistes, decided to make it her endeavour to promote such immense talent and prevent them from fading into anonymity.
Deliberately choosing to keep it simple and not adhere to any theme, the paintings here depict simple rural art that exudes passion. “It is my love for the rustic that prompted me to opt for these paintings. I believe, when you lead a city life, you lose touch with the real essence of life, giving it all up for materialism,” Jung says.
From Hyderabad With Love is the culmination of her efforts for over two decades now. Meethi Baatein, by Bala Bhaktha Raju, is a work of cubism and mixed media, where life in Hyderabad is subtly displayed. An artwork by Chitra from Nalgonda, speaks volumes on prosperity and happiness. His work is like studying ‘logotherapy’ through paintings, as he juxtaposes living in a happy, rural India with the urbane setting of Hyderabad, where everyday explodes into your face.
Raju Puri from Vijayawada, with mere pastels on paper conveys the rural sensuousness amidst the throbbing urbaneness of Hyderabad. It is mostly depicted as a dynamic mix of both urban and rural life, where most artists believe that although the city is bursting with modernisation, the rural essence still thrives. V Srinath figuratively suggests the changing landscape of Hyderabad, each of his abstract works starting with one idea but ending up with another altogether, perhaps to suggest the transition that Hyderabad is undergoing now.
The exhibition is on till December 20. Entry is free.
