Works displayed in the gallery. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Spiritual art lies at the heart of artist AM Murali’s new exhibition Between Realms at Gallery Space in Hyderabad. The artist sets out on a ‘subconscious walk’ through a spiritual space, and creates surreal landscapes that seem familiar yet are not real and do not depict any specific place. These imagined lands may belong to any part of the world – or even beyond Earth.
untitled work
The 23 acrylic works in the exhibition are untitled, as the artist did not wish to provide specific insight into his creations. Instead, he invites viewers to join him on a journey through layered landscapes, encouraging them to delve deep within themselves and interpret the works in their own unique way.
Hyderabad connection
Artist AM Murali Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kerala artist AM Murali’s association with Hyderabad began 25 years ago when he came to Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication (Hyderabad Central University) in 1991 to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts. Following a scholarship at the Kanoria Center for the Arts in Ahmedabad and further artistic activities in Mumbai, Murali returned to Hyderabad to develop his distinctive visual language.
His paintings transcend the boundaries of space and time and create a unique feeling of depth. This feature of his work is inspired by his train journeys in the delta regions of Andhra Pradesh and the Deccan rock formations in and around Hyderabad. “In Kerala, unless you are on the beach, it is rare to see further than 100 metres, as the view is often blocked by trees or hills,” explains Murali, reflecting on the elements that have influenced his art. Have done.
Works displayed in the gallery. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The 59-year-old artist’s works are not spontaneous expressions, but the result of a meticulous thought process, which can take up to a month to realise. “My compositions first take shape in my mind, so execution happens relatively quickly. I’m usually clear about what I want to portray, but sometimes it takes time to reach that clarity mentally,” he shares. Murali also enjoys her role as a freelance lecturer at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Hyderabad. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he encourages students to explore unconventional approaches. “I love the unfamiliarity of canvas and encourage my students to pursue the same goal,” he says.
Works displayed in the gallery. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
While looking forward to his next group show at Bengaluru’s Chitrakala Parishad in February, Murali is reflecting on Hyderabad’s art scene. “People here are exposed to a systematic type of art. Without being judgmental, I would just say that my art is different,” he concluded.
AM Murali’s solo show ‘Between Realms’ will run till January 24 at Gallery Space, Jubilee Hills.
published – January 21, 2025 04:49 PM IST
