Basically Hyderabadi

Curator’s Note

Basically Hyderabadi

                                                                                          Chronicles of old city

The minutes, transcripts, proceedings of life in the old city  , of life known to the artist , of life which passes by ,around him  and at times gets into him . This is the most intimate experience any artist can strive to give form   .Taking notes of that flowing beard of a fakir, making a quick sketch of a reclined young man, unhurried movements of burkha clad women  , relaxed and leisurely in the comfort of their homes, in bazaars , tea stalls and on the streets, everyday life  is captured in an honest  effort .   With candid expressions and at times fleeting suspicious emotions crossing quickly on their faces only to  redress into an unquestioning trust, in their way of life . Basically Hyderabadi by nature.

These people known to  Rayees  ,  fascinate him with their fortitude  and resilience, grace in their poise and  elegance in their homely forms .  Pure and clear they manifest as semi cubistic structures , bright and alive in their attire and somber in their expression, that come with a pride and dignity ,belief in their faith and togetherness .

They show the stained glass effects of byzantine religious church paintings , induced in a classical modern style where the facial features are repeated with religious  icons or the urdu scripts, merge with the human form seamlessly ,addressing this life in a time frame .

Dr.Avani Rao Gandra