Telangana artists to raise funds for Amaravati
10 artists from Telangana gathered in the city for art camp in Vijayawada
By : sanchita dash
Update: 2015-10-17 03:32 GMT
Hyderabad: On a Friday afternoon, 10 artists from Telangana gathered in the city, not to talk about a local show, but about an art camp in Vijayawada to raise funds for AP’s new capital Amravati. The artists—including seniors like Laxman Aelay, Chippa Sudhakar, Kavita Deuskar and Kappari Kishan—will be part of a three-day art camp at Vijayawada named “Art beyond boundaries” which will be followed by an auction.
They will be working at the Cultural Centre of Vijayawada (CCV). Talking about how the idea came about, Mr Y. Harish Chandra Prasad, founder-chairman of CCV said, “I was at an art exhibition in Hyderabad and I met a few artists who knew about CCV. And they said that even they would like to help and contribute to promote art and culture there. The states are divided but both have the same culture with subtle differences.”
He, however, said that initially they faced criticism from Andhra artists. “But they slowly understood the concept and that we wanted to do away with the animosities. So although it will be an art camp for Telangana artists, artists from AP too are more than welcome to take part.” The paintings will be exhibited at Capital Cinemas, a theatre that is a joint venture between Suresh Babu Productions and Prasad films.
“There is a huge lobby at the theatre which looks nothing less than a five star hotel, so we decided to display the artworks there and that’s how I came on board,” says film producer Suresh Babu, adding, “Just like Telugu cinema, art too is not restricted by a state.”
The funds collected from the auction — the date is yet to be finalised — will help in building Amravati. Ask Mr Prasad why Amravati, which will already be receiving a lot of funds, he said, “It’s a gesture that counts. Our contribution may not make for a big difference but Amravati still needs the money and we are happy that with an art camp we can help.”
And while it is a landmark event that takes artists from Telangana to build the capital of Andhra Pradesh, the artists feel it's just another art camp for a good cause. “Artists don’t believe in region or religion. We have all been participating and working together and being a part of such events is a privilege. As a senior artist I have been travelling for art shows and when I was given a chance to be a part of this, I didn't want to back out,” said artist Kavita Deuskar.
Artist Kappari Kishan agreed. “I have friends in Vijayawada and I visit them often. I didn’t see any reason not be a part of this,” he says, adding, “At this art camp, we will be making two paintings. And the entire funds from the auction will go for the building of Amravati.” While Laxman Aelay and Chippa Sudhakar weren’t present, Chippa Sudhakar said, “Although I was asked to be a part of the event, I’m not very sure if I can make it to Vijayawada. But I will be giving my works. I don”t see it as Telangana artists coming together but as just artists coming together for a cause.”