Telling tales
Telangana-based contemporary artist Thota Vaikuntam is among the featured artists at the modern Indian art auction—Stroke & Structure
By : Swati Sharma
Update: 2024-06-19 18:40 GMT
Every artwork in the artist’s extensive collection up for auction tells a tale, with music serving as the central motif. Artist Thota Vaikuntam says, “These works are inspired by musicians.” Vaikuntam is well-known for his vividly coloured representations of Telangana’s rural populace. “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Indian classical music, which I first discovered when I started going to live music performances in college.”
Then there’s an artwork from 1990 that depicts a mother and child. “It exemplifies the special bond between a mother and her children. I’ve done a lot of paintings on this subject because I have a strong connection to it,” explains the artist.
The other Vaikuntam pieces in the upcoming sale demonstrate the artist’s profound passion of depicting rural inhabitants, reminiscent of the hamlet where he grew up. Rooted in Indian culture and tradition, his works depict the daily life of village dwellers in vibrant colours.
The most memorable project
Vaikuntam says, “There is one painting that is really precious to me. This painting was inspired by the Guru-Shishya Parampara. For me, it is more than just a work of art because it is inspired by our gurus’ profound teachings and guidance. I adore how it captures the essence of Indian philosophy and education. If asked about a more recent picture, I would say one of the Shiva Tandavams, in which Shiva is seen dancing.”
Most priced
Vaikuntam’s fascination with mythological characters is seen in his image of Shiva dancing surrounded by religious people who are either in awe, clapping, or playing musical instruments. The piece, created in his signature brilliant colours of reds, yellows, blues, and greens, seamlessly integrates numerous of Vaikuntam’s chosen themes and patterns. The sculpture sold for `1,41,35,220 at an AstaGuru auction last year, establishing a new record for the artist.
About Stroke and Structure
“The upcoming Stroke & Structures auction depicts the length and breadth of modern Indian art’s growth. The auction, featuring works by pioneering modernists such as Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Sailoz Mookherjea, provides an insight into the evolution of modern art in India. It also includes seminal pieces from the Progressive Artists’ Group, featuring iconic artists such as F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza, M. F. Husain, and K. H. Ara, whose works are foundational to the modernist movement in Indian art,” says Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House.
The most memorable project
Vaikuntam says, “There is one painting that is really precious to me. This painting was inspired by the Guru-Shishya Parampara. For me, it is more than just a work of art because it is inspired by our gurus’ profound teachings and guidance. I adore how it captures the essence of Indian philosophy and education. If asked about a more recent picture, I would say one of the Shiva Tandavams, in which Shiva is seen dancing.”
Most priced
Vaikuntam’s fascination with mythological characters is seen in his image of Shiva dancing surrounded by religious people who are either in awe, clapping, or playing musical instruments. The piece, created in his signature brilliant colours of reds, yellows, blues, and greens, seamlessly integrates numerous of Vaikuntam’s chosen themes and patterns. The sculpture sold for `1,41,35,220 at an AstaGuru auction last year, establishing a new record for the artist.
About Stroke and Structure
“The upcoming Stroke & Structures auction depicts the length and breadth of modern Indian art’s growth. The auction, featuring works by pioneering modernists such as Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Sailoz Mookherjea, provides an insight into the evolution of modern art in India. It also includes seminal pieces from the Progressive Artists’ Group, featuring iconic artists such as F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza, M. F. Husain, and K. H. Ara, whose works are foundational to the modernist movement in Indian art,” says Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House.