Curated and hosted by Ratna Rao Shekar, this art show in Hyderabad shows people ways in which their daily lives can be made more beautiful.
Published Aug 25, 2023 | 7:37 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 25, 2023 | 7:37 PM
Functional art pieces displayed at the Out of The Box exhibition. (Supplied)
Imagine waking up to a vivid blue alarm clock or using furniture that bears some artistic strokes. Doesn’t the very thought of it spark joy? For the very same reason, functional art — applied art created to serve a purpose — is gaining ground in India.
Writer and art enthusiast Ratna Rao Shekar’s latest show, Out of The Box, hosted at Hyderabad’s The World, is garnering interest from the discerning community.
The curated exhibition showcases the works of over 23 artists from and outside Hyderabad.
“It was the constant encouragement and guidance from my artist friends that prompted me to curate a show on my own. Although I have attended several art shows and helped artists write catalogues, this is my first attempt at curating a show with various artists. The idea behind the showcase was to show people that art isn’t just what we find on canvases. It can also be found in our daily life objects. I find functional art a lot more intimate,” shares Ratna.
All the artists have endeavoured to bring something unique to the show. Ratna shares, “For instance, there is the “Kathi Peeta”, a rarely-seen vegetable slicer bearing a majestically painted blue Vishnu by artist Ramesh Gorjala. Gorjala, who hails from Srikalahasti, spotted this vegetable slicer at the Rythu Bazaar and got his muse in a moment.”
Telangana rural women series by Laxman Aelay. (Supplied)
At the exhibition, expect to find leather chairs painted with the figures of Poolama (Goddess of Life), the striking Telangana rural women series by Laxman Aelay, and the Paithani sari bearing prints inspired by artist Thota Vaikuntham, among others.
One of the highlights is the contemporary “Golden Parrot” collection created in collaboration with Vaikuntham. A “Lady with Parrots” tote and a vintage trunk with a Telangana lady theme, both inspired by the iconic artist known for his Telangana rustic folk series, are noteworthy.
The collection also features “Paint to Paithani”, a six-month-long handloom silk project with images inspired by the artist’s works woven into the pallu, with themes including “Mother & Child”, “Telangana Couple”, and “The Contemplative Lady”.
Noted film art director and production designer Thota Tharani, of Ponniyin Selvan (Part I) fame, has also contributed to the show.
In a nod to India’s linguistic tapestry, Tharani has come up with a two-sided panel or room partition/screen bearing a dozen Indian scripts on one side and a dynamic peacock on the other side. Besides being useful, the panel could completely transform the look of any room it is placed in.
Painted jewellery boxes by Bholla Sreekanth Kurva. (Supplied)
Bengali artist Sumanto Chowdhury has created a wooden partition depicting Radha and Krishna. Sachin Jaltare also presents wooden screens exploring the interplay between form and formlessness.
Aptly named “Kanhaiyam”, there is a cradle that has been converted into a captivating centre table. Created by artist Masuram Ravikanth, it is adorned with playful elements like a rocking horse, delightful toys, and inviting books.
Ceramic platters by the Paris-based Sujata Bajaj, wooden planter pot stands by Nagesh Goud, and brightly painted jewellery boxes by Bholla Sreekanth Kurva, among other delightful artefacts are also on display at the show.
Ratna comments, “Aesthetics is all around us. The artists here have shown us the many ways of looking for art in simple things around us.”
Out of the Box will be on display at The World by DSR-SR from 25-27 August 2023.
