Thota’s works make UK splash

A visa hassle is keeping artist Thota Vaikuntam off from one of his biggest solo shows in decades, but he isn’t sad. London’s Grosvenor Gallery is hosting the artist’s works — 30 paintings — a collection filled with his trademark imagery titled Thota Vaikuntam: The Telangana Icons.

“The project has been in the making for a few years now and since I don’t paint many works all at once, the curator collected paintings over a period of time and there it is, on display,” he says. “I take part in so many group art shows. That way I’m still active in the art scene,” he says.

Among the 30 works, Vaikuntam can’t easily point out the one he likes the most, “Let me think... well I guess it’s the work where the women are going out to invite guests for a puja. It has to be one of my favourites in the lot.”

Over the years, Vaikuntam admits that the number of works he has created has decreased. And despite the spondylitis he’s been dealing with for the past 17 years, Vaikuntam’s spirit remains unperturbed. “I find it difficult to stand for long and so I work less these days. But I manage to create at least 15 paintings every year. Despite spondylitis, I can’t complain much. I’m happy that I’m able to do even the little that I can,” he says with a smile.

Though this will be his first solo show in years, Vaikuntam is no stranger to international shows. “One of my first shows was a few decades ago. I don’t even remember the year... it was that long. But the show was held in New York and London as well,” he explains.

“I’ve always found the feedback at International shows very interesting. Indians abroad, especially from this part of the country feel a sense of belonging when they see my work. But for foreigners it’s different. They love the strokes of paint, the colours and the entire scene,” he says.

His exhibition at Grosvenor Gallery, London, will be on till October 10.