A Picture Of Death

It is extremely distressing and depressing to find the Hyderabad Art Society, 
an organization which nurtured and encouraged art and artists of this city for 
more that half a century, languishing 'like a patient etherized on the table', 
heedless to its time and situations. Ironically, the Society, in its 60th year, 
is celebrating its diamond jubilee, but when you actually witness the montages, 
you wouldn't want to mince your words to describe the misery on display.




With more than 70 artists participating this year, the only thing missing was quality art. Barring a few artists, the showcase was nothing but pure kitsch. Although it cannot be argued that many a young artist finds a platform to 
exhibit his works in the initial stages of his career, it is certainly no compensation to such utilization of this platform, which is so poor in its display decision and management. Lack of a concept at the base is responsible for this, a 
characterless Society.



Agreed, art is an expensive business, but is it paying to run the show in such pathetic conditions? Sponsorship is one good way of generating funds, but without proper tools to aid your concept, this is a tough one to move. Nevertheless, there are a few artists, like Srinivasa Chary who teaches painting at the P S R Telugu University, worth mentioning. He definitely saved some grace with his "Untitled", handled in acrylic. This received a gold, thankfully. Then there's Ashok Ghosh's "Jesue", selected for a silver, but Y Balaiah's "Telangana Women", labeled for a silver, is a sheer waste. Thanks to Vaikuntam and Laxma Gowd, the Telangana females are in good circulation, and therefore words such as inspiration and imitation have no intending of their own.



K Kishan's "Artist Camp In The Forest" (gold winner) in the miniature format was a witty one, with women artists painting the wild animals. M Balraj's "Tribal Man Women" (another gold medallist) was impressive in its woodcut 
graphic.



Although there were a few youngsters who could be promising, they've missed the opportunity due to an absence of cataloging. None of the works was numbered, which made any referencing impossible.


The support, to give away medals, came from AIFACS of New Delhi, the Apollo Group 
of Hospitals, the Exhibition Society and the Surabhi Educational Society, all 
from Hyderabad. But more than money, this exhibition needs some quality artists 
to remain respectful.



AA