Abstract artist Ramani Mylavarapu turns curator for the group show Golden Horizon in Hyderabad

“Sankranti is an opportunity to welcome new beginnings,” says artist Ramani Mylavarapu, referring to her debut as an art curator for Golden Horizon. To be held from January 8 to 14, the six-day art showcase featuring 23 new artworks of 14 established and senior artists is a canvas of celebration resonating with warmth, colours and renewed perspectives. The display featuring paintings, drawing, sculpture and video art spans various genres and styles.

For Ramani, the Hyderabad-based abstract artist, the show is conceived as a celebration of renewal, abundance, and quiet optimism, as it takes place just after New Year and comes before Sankranti. “It is a festival deeply rooted in harvest, gratitude, and cyclical continuity,.” says the artist.

Different expressions

Ramani Mylavarapu 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

If mythology takes centrestage in artist Sachin Jaltare and Anjani Reddy’s works, Ramesh Gurjala explores a different colour scheme in his Kalamkari works on Krishna, Vishnu and Lakshmi. Known for his distinctive imagery and expression, prominent artist V Ramesh from Visakhapatnam evokes Sankranti spirit with an oil painting of an urli with hibiscus flowers.

Vishnu and Lakshmi, a Kalamkari work by Ramesh Gorjala
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Visitors can check out octogenarian Thota Vaikuntam’s 27-year-old artwork depicting his iconic Telangana women and contemporary artist Bhaskar Rao Botcha’s Tulasi kota painting. “Bhaskar garu is in Ayyappa deeksha and has interwoven his consistent theme — the tree motif with spirituality,” says Ramani, who is also showcasing her works in acrylics. “The floral concept is intentional; Flowers symbolising life and renewal goes with the festive spirit,” says the artist. With a strong desire to create her own identity, she turned to art, studied MFA (master of fine arts) after her children grew up, and also pursued a short course in contemporary art from Slade School of Fine Art, London.

Bhaskar Rao Botcha’s Tulasi kota painting
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Other notable works are by HR Devulpalli and Sumantha Choudhary, who is also showcasing a bronze sculpture.

(Golden Horizon is on view from January 8 to 11 at State Art Gallery, Madhapur, Hyderabad).