Humour meets critique in an art exhibition

The magic of humor and critique unfolded in one place with Satirical Symphony: A Solo Show by A. Rajeswara Rao. The show, curated by Annapurna M. and Kiran K. Mohan, allowed art lovers to inquisitively explore the satirical world of the artist, where each piece offered a new lens to view society. On till Sept 21 at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, the show featured multi-faceted compositions that instantly reminded the viewers of their own dreams and fantasies. The inaugural witnessed Indian photographer Atul Kasbekar as the guest of honour.

Rao uses reverse painting technique on acrylic sheets to add intriguing perspectives and dimensions to his subjects, allowing his audience to connect and hold engaging conversations. Art connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and critics can feel the artist's vision of illustrating the psychological desires of the physical self by simply depicting everyday people and their ambitions.

Speaking about the inspiration for his series, Rao said "I moved to the bustling city of Hyderabad, where after some time I went to a village and built a studio. The village was close to my studio. I used to wander the village, then. I felt everyone there was really poor. The ladies used to stroll on foot to their fields, and there were narrow lanes where people used to commute on bicycles. All of a sudden, an industrial group shows up in the area. Their lifestyle and style were totally changed by this. I find it funny that they began traveling motorbikes and cars and wearing leggings and glasses. This amuses me because I am aware that they lived in poverty from 1996 to 2000. All at once, money creates and changes everything. I started this series wearing leggings and glasses for that reason. They are imitating the higher society, which always makes me laugh."

The evening was graced by prominent guests including Aman Nath, Nitin Arora, Chippa Sudhkar, Neelam Pratap Rudy, Simran KS Lamba, Manoj Arora, Yuriko Lochan, Rajeev Lochan (Former Director NGMA), Deepa Gopinath, Manisha Bhatia, Preeti Ghai.

Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, said, "The proficient and exaggerated use of satire in A. Rajeswara Rao’s works leaves a great impression on the viewers. In a world where everyone is busy painting pretty pictures to match trends, Rao’s frankness, boldness, and experimentation in subject or technique is unique and enlivening. We are honoured to display the Satirical Symphony series that is characterised by robust imagery, striking color palettes and the deliberate choice of everyday situations involving mundane characters."

Saurabh Singhvi, Director of Art Maganum, said,"As a dedicated artist, Rajeswara Rao’s unique style and approach to satire creates a wholesome experience for his audience. His exceptional talent for transforming his observations of people and their behaviors into a surreal world that is both magnificent and eccentric makes his art even more impressive and fascinating. With the Satirical Symphony in New Delhi, hope to instill humor and great experience in your sensitivities."


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