The Global Villager

Painted at his Hyderabad studio over the last two years,the 26 frames on the walls are occupied by Vaikuntam’s constant protagonists — Telengana men and women. On this instance,the 68-year-old has immersed them in music,a theme that appeared in his work more than 30 years back. The idea of handing them the flute,Vaikuntam shares,was initiated by gallerist Sunaina Anand. “Few days before visiting me,she had met Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and was impressed by him. She asked me to do something with music and that’s when I decided to use the flute,” recalls Vaikuntam. Immersed in music,in some of his portraits,the protagonists shut their eyes. “They are enjoying and feeling music,” smiles Vaikuntam.

The familiar characters in his works remain though. So parrots fly onto the flute and voluptuous women are dressed,as usual,in intricately patterned sarees with perfectly rounded bindis on their forehead. If in one series they indulge in festivities,on another untitled canvas a woman is seen with pots of tadi (palm wine). “These are common sites in the villages,” says Vaikuntam. He moves towards another canvas to explain the process of layering,which he notes “adds depth”. “One should develop their own style,that’s what my teacher (KG Subramanyan) taught me,” adds Vaikuntam,recalling the period when artists had little money and he had to convince his father that he wanted to pursue art. “He resisted initially and told me to opt for something more lucrative,but he eventually gave in… Now,of course,artists no longer struggle,” says Vaikuntam,some of who’s works will go on auction at the upcoming Saffronart spring auction. The estimate? Approximately Rs 3.5 lakh for a 15.5 x 11.5 inch acrylic on board.

The exhibition is on at Art Alive Gallery,S – 221,Panchsheel Park. Contact: 41639000