telangana1 Slice of art from TelanganaWhile most people are familiar with the Telangana movement for a separate state, they remain unaware of the rich traditions of art of the region which include Deccan miniature paintings, folk art, leather puppetry and Buddhist sculptures.Over 50 pieces of art- paintings, drawings and sculptures exhibited in the capital over the past week by 40 artists depicted the lifestyle and habits of people over 60 years from the Telangana region.

“The works displayed belong to artists especially painters from the post Independence era. This particular body of work is being collectively shown for the first time,” says B Narsinga Rao who has curated the exhibition, Art@ Telangana.

Tagged between Rs 20 thousands and Rs 9.5 lakh the works of art are spanning over four generations have been witnessing considerable interest, according to the curator.”There are at least 12 artists who are internationally renowned and have been in demand in the world art market,” says Rao adding that 10 paintings have been sourced from a private collection.

Themes of the works which are created on different media including oil on canvass, and mixed media portray landscapes, mythological themes, folklore, rural backgrounds as well as urban situations and abstracts.Some featured painters like Lakshma Goud, Surya Prakash, Gouri Shankar, Kondapalli Sheshagiri Rao have come to be known internationally since they began work.

“The next generation of artists like Annavaram Srinivas,Bharath Yadav, are exhibiting their skill and building platforms readying for a jump start,” says Rao.According to the curator the history of the Telangana region runs back to 500 BC. “Gadha SapthaSathi”, a manuscript belonging to the first century AD compiled during the the period of King Hala, is an important manuscript.

Also are cities like Kotilngala and Kondapur which were the zeniths of perfection during the period of ‘Sathavahanas’.Ramappa temple built during the reign of the kakatiyas is a symphony in stone. Buddhist sculptures of Nagarjuna Konda are world known art pieces.”The folklore of the region is very strong. There are countless mural paintings in the temples and royal chambers.

epitomes of janapada or folk art like kaakipadagalu and leather puppetry of Cheryal in Warangal district are in the league of Telangana cultural heritage. The deccan miniature paintings reflect the affluence of richness the land holds,” he says.The exhibition moves on to Chawla Art Gallery in the capital where it will be displayed for some time.