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Thota Vaikuntam
South Indian native Thota Vaikuntam draws inspiration from the rural surroundings of Andhra Pradesh. The central characters in his works are frequently men and women from his community; particularly women from Telangana. The penchant can be linked to his early fascination with the male actors who would portray female characters in the travelling theatre troupes that would perform in his village. He acknowledges that he only tries to capture the vitality of the sensual women of his village.
Thota Vaikuntam
Contemporary Artist
About Artist
Born in 1942 in Boorugupali, Andhra Pradesh, Thota Vaikuntam studied at the college of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad. And in 1971, he made his way to study at the M.S. University, Baroda thanks to his securing the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship. Each stroke in Vaikuntam's paintings and artwo...
Born in 1942 in Boorugupali, Andhra Pradesh, Thota Vaikuntam studied at the college of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad. And in 1971, he made his way to study at the M.S. University, Baroda thanks to his securing the Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship. Each stroke in Vaikuntam's paintings and artworks carries a sense of power. His controlled lines and expertly applied finer strokes give off a majestic aura that emanates from him. Thota Vaikuntam typically sticks to using basic colours. Since he thinks that composite colours are artificial and don't exist in nature. He likes to use strong primary colours such as red, saffron, and even orange, as these are primarily Indian hues. These colours give his works a sense of character and depth. Contemporary Indian Artist Thota Vaikuntam has held numerous solo exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian cities despite the fact that he resides and works in Hyderabad. Additionally, the paintings of Thota Vaikuntam have been shown in New York, London, Dubai, Birmingham, and Kassel. His work was displayed at the VII Triennale in Delhi, and in 2001, he also participated in exhibitions with Saffronart in Los Angeles and Hong Kong. In 1988, he received the Bharat Biennale Award in Bhopal, and in 1993, the Indian government presented him with the National Award for Painting. You can browse through our gallery of Serigraphs to see more of his artworks and paintings along with other famous serigraph artists.
Inspired by rural Telangana, Thota Vaikuntam's art captures the beauty and resilience of women through bold strokes and vibrant primary colors. His work, rooted in authenticity, reflects his deep connection to his heritage while reaching a global audience.
Rural Roots
Thota Vaikuntam was born and raised in the rural heart of Telangana, India. This rustic landscape with its vibrant colours and simple way of life would become a constant source of inspiration for his art.
Vaikuntam’s Tribute to Telangana Women
Frustrated by the theoretical and structured nature of Western art education, Vaikuntam yearned for a more instinctive artistic expression. A turning point came in the 1980s when Vaikuntam began focusing on his now-famous depictions of Telangana women. His inspiration stemmed from his love for his mother and the strong women he observed in his village.
Depth in Simplicity
Vaikuntam's artistic journey began with charcoal drawings, capturing the essence of rural India. As his art evolved, Vaikuntam experimented with various mediums, adding depth to his charcoal works. His art stands out for its powerful strokes and vibrant primary colors. He avoids mixed colors, believing them to be unnatural, and instead uses reds, saffron, and oranges to create depth and a distinctly Indian character in his paintings.
Bold, Beautiful, Resilient: Women of Telangana
Thota Vaikuntam has become synonymous with Telangana's artistic identity. His name now evokes canvases vibrant with primary colours and meticulously crafted decorative elements. Yet, the essence of a "Vaikuntam" lies in his flattened portrayals of rural life, particularly women who embody a captivating blend of beauty and resilience. He depicts them in their authentic essence: dark-skinned, grounded, and undeniably Indian.
Translating Vision Through Serigraphy
As his accolades accumulated and his art garnered international demand, Vaikuntam naturally gravitated towards serigraphy. This shift allowed him to translate his signature style onto a wider scale, satiating the growing interest in his work while staying true to his artistic vision.