Artists from Telangana and AP have united for art exhibition to raise funds
United in adversity: Participants of the art show
Only last week, the city’s artists were contemplating about how they could aid the victims of Cyclone Hudhud. Within a couple of days, a show was planned, which managed to get over 50 artists on board to give away their paintings and sculptures to raise funds which would be directly sent to the CM’s Relief Fund. Hanumantha Rao, the curator and owner of Gallery Space says, “It is the first time that a charity art show is happening in the city on this scale. We are glad that artists responded in such a positive way. If we are able to sell all the artworks, we’ll raise over Rs15 lakh.”
The exhibition Art for Cause not just showcases works of artists from AP and Telangana, but contributions have also poured in from Delhi and Shantiniketan. Artist Fawad Tamkanat says, “Whenever a calamity strikes, the artist community is one of the first to react. Even now, we already have people booking the artworks they want to purchase. For the benefit of art enthusiasts in other cities and abroad, we have also put up the artworks online, so that everyone can have their pick.”
Sculptor Shivarama Chary says that unlike other charity events, where artists donate a percentage of the price, most have donated the full amount this time. “The artists have also agreed to reduce the price of their paintings by 20 to 30 per cent of the market price,” he adds.The organisers had requested the artists to contribute smaller artworks, so that they can accommodate as many paintings as possible.
Artist Bhaskar Rao, who hails from Vizag, has been living in Hyderabad for close to two decades, says that when it comes to uniting for a cause, artists from Telangana and Andhra don’t let any division get in the way. “We are artists first and this is how we choose to identify and express ourselves. We are all supportive of each other’s work and hope to raise as much as possible through this show,” says Bhaskar.
Next Story
