If you’ve moved in Hyderabad’s art circles for a while now, you’ll be able to spot works by Thota Laxminarayana in an instant; the artist’s distinct style is known for its insightful cultural communication accomplished through notable vibrancy.
Now the city can behold Laxminarayana’s latest collection of acrylics on canvas ‘Desi Tails’ at Park Hyatt’s Art Walkway.
Multitude of moods
When one thinks of the agrarian community at the moment, it’s inevitable to consider the crises farmers are currently experiencing. However, Thota Laxminarayana cogently puts forth a brighter picture while still allaying sensitivity towards such issues.
The artworks feature a variety of flora and fauna to evoke various moods while challenging perceptions of India’s backbone. The artist’s use of flowers and animals brings a natural energy to the piece. The cows and birds are always in relaxed moods conveyed through their upbeat body language: swaying tails, upturned heads and legs splayed as if in dance. Drifting clouds and graceful branches further add to this mood.
Similar moods of high spirits are accomplished through his portrayal of the women featured in some of the works; often reclining by boomboxes, the braid-donning ladies are carrying purses and shopping bags as if to delineate living a good life.
It’s on this note that viewers may see a connect to the title ‘Desi Tails’: the cattle have their tails in the air to denote positivity while women have their braids accessorised with flowers and draped cleverly about their person. It’s an interesting trajectory for all things tails-related.
The piece speaks volumes about the relationships between humans and nature, bringing viewers back to basics.
It’s interesting how the humour transitions into fascinating visual delusions, due to the patterns he employs, and the two-dimensional traits, a trademark of Thota Laxminarayana’s style, contrarily create a multi-facetedness.
Mindful choices
Park Hyatt’s knack for acquiring captivating works such as these as well as keeping in mind the space’s darkly monochromatic, collaboratively make for a great conversation stimulator. Walking past these works makes it nearly impossible to not slow your pace and lean in in order to absorb it all. The showstealers of this exhibition are the close-ups of the cattle— extremely relevant to the ongoing pervasive debates about these animals’ placement in India’s fragmented society. The close-ups serve as a provoking tribute by the artist, who comes from a village himself.
His thoughtful layering almost causes the artworks to jump out at you, creating an infectious good vibe. It’s clear that while he does place plenty of emphasis on his colour palette, he is also wise about his economisation of lines, proving less is more.
We’ve seen his extensive resumé at Daira and workshops taught to the city’s budding artists, and this cohesive collection adds a natural richness to his repertoire, keeping viewers enthralled by his talent.
‘Desi Tails’ is on display until August 25 at Park Hyatt’s Art Walkway on the lobby level.