By Gitanjali Das | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad continues to attract art from across the country. The three-day Affordable Art India show in August has two important features – a showcase of different types of art, artists, mediums and styles, and an offline display of Baro Market, an online marketplace for crafts, lifestyle products and art.
The show was showcased in Delhi and Pune earlier this year and is now making its debut down south in Hyderabad. “Hyderabad is number one because the monsoons here are not as intense as they are in other places. We are going to many places across the country,” says Sreela Chatterjee, founder of Baro Market.
Artistic manifestations
Artwork created by Bano Batliboi | Photo credit: Special arrangement
One can experience the beauty of diversity in art and discover diverse artistic expressions ranging from modern and contemporary works to traditional vintage pieces. “We use the term ‘affordable art’ to define art as going between the two ends of the price spectrum and they are original and authenticated and tell the stories of the art and the artist to everyone.” This show is an attempt to democratise art and make people feel less intimidated about visiting a gallery.
Shrila Chatterjee | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The slow and steady rise in art consumption has positively impacted the art scene. Shrila believes that disposable income and changing lifestyles have fuelled this trend. “One of the big fallouts of Covid is that people staying at home have become more interested in their surroundings and want to live in a way they like. There is a lot of pride in making homes beautiful which can be seen in the way people buy furniture, décor and art pieces.”
By Anita Alvares Bhatia | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Curated by Srila, the exhibition features paintings and urban sketches by Anita Alvarez, sholapitha sculptures, decorations and indoor lampshades by Ashish Malakar, unique paper art created from old books by Bano Batlibo and clay artefacts by Dolan Kudu, which has earned the artist the title of ‘Pinch Potter’.
The exhibition also features rare Oriya Pattachitra works by female artist Gitanjali Das; she paints stories of gods and goddesses, forests and nature on silk fabric and palm leaves with ‘extremely intricate details.’ Mumbai-based artist Zainab Tambawala has spent time in Hyderabad and created a special collection of watercolour works depicting the essence of Hyderabad, which can also be seen.
The Affordable Art India Show will be on display on August 2, 3 and 4 from 11 am to 7 pm on the second floor of the Crafts Council in Banjara Hills, Telangana. Entry is free and open to all.
