EVENT COVERAGE Art that greets you! 

As I entered the art gallery, I was greeted by two girls dressed in traditional outfits, their cheeks blushing and their eyes hidden behind sunglasses. They looked like they had stepped straight out of one of Rao’s paintings. With warm smiles, they offered me flowers, making it feel as if his artwork had sprung to life. It was a vivid illustration of his boundless creativity, seamlessly blending the world of his paintings with reality. In a captivating blend of humour, satire and vibrant artistry, the State Art Gallery recently hosted an exclusive preview of “Satirical Symphony”, a solo exhibition by the acclaimed artist A. Rajeshwar Rao. Curated by M. Annapurna and Kiran K. Mohan, this event drew the art community’s elite, including the distinguished art maven, Anju Poddar.
Stepping into the recent art show felt like entering a whimsical world where ordinary moments were transformed into extraordinary tales. The gallery was alive with over 20 mesmerising pieces from the ‘Footpath Series’, each telling its own unique story through the delicate art of reverse scratching. This technique, a rare and fascinating approach, revealed intricate details and textures that seemed to leap off the canvas.
Anju Poddar, known for her discerning eye and appreciation of fine art, shared her admiration for Rao’s work. “I like his colour play and how sure he is in his expressions. So many times, I ask him to design for me.
I have a pendant specially made from his art. I might not know everything about him, but I have a couple of his papers. Whenever I have a function or guests coming over, I tell him beforehand, and he delivers something unique with a logo. The portrait of the wife and the two kids is something I really like; Padma looks so regal in the painting. I like his humour and satire. These artworks are lively, cutting-edge. His ‘flying Hanuman over Poland’ and the way he names his pieces are delightful. ‘Old Heroine’ is my favourite, it’s contemporary and vintage both! The motorbike with glasses, the old heroine—it’s a blend of contemporary and vintage.”
What truly set this exhibition apart was the artist’s signature touch: the playful addition of cooling glasses to his characters. The artist’s ability to blend subtle satire with vibrant colours created a delightful visual feast that left a lasting impression.
Kiran K. Mohan, a writer, curator and advisor at Dhoomimal Gallery, expressed her vision for creating a satirical symphony. “I’m a literature student and studying satire has always been fascinating. Seeing it in paintings is even more captivating. When I met Rajeshwar, his humour was evident. His technique of reverse scratching is very challenging. Imagine how it will look on the front while scratching the back. It’s a difficult technique that requires immense practice. This show is like a prelude to the major event we plan in September at the Visual and Habitat Center.”
Born in 1960 in Vizianagaram, A. Rajeshwar Rao’s journey in art has been profoundly influenced by his father, Paidi Raju, an esteemed artist, poet, sculptor and art guru. Rao’s early works captured the essence of life and death, reflecting the raw human experience. Guided by his father’s anecdotes and poetry, Rao’s work embodies a deep understanding of human pretensions and societal norms. His unique technique, inspired by his mentor Subramaniam’s glass painting, led him to develop a distinctive style of reverse painting on acrylic sheets, creating vibrant, three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional surface.
Rao explained his creative process: “This technique started in the ‘90s after I finished college. I felt there should be a change in artwork, not just canvas and paper. Subramaniam Gaaru used to do glass painting, and I loved his work. I started scratching, applying colour, and scratching again, creating layers for a three-dimensional effect. A person gifted me an acrylic sheet, and I increased the thickness, making the colors pop vibrantly. It’s interesting how the damage done to the art adds beauty to it.”
Among the attendees were artists from Delhi, who came to admire and celebrate this unconventional collection. A personal highlight was the series of portraits depicting the artist’s family members, each rendered with a blend of affection and light-hearted humour. These portraits were more than just representations; they were intimate glimpses into the quirky traits and personalities of those closest to the artist, brought to life with a perfect harmony of subtlety and vibrancy.
M. Annapurna, an ardent admirer of Rao since childhood, shared her excitement about curating his art. “Every painting speaks to you and has a coil of surprise. His humour and new approach to every work are fascinating. It’s a dream come true to curate his art.”
From clicking pictures with banners of heroes to the deity series featuring Telangana goddesses, his art reflects a blend of satire and cultural commentary. The centerpiece of this exhibition is a painting of Shiva with ten heads on a bike, symbolising the many avatars of gods.
The preview was a demonstration of Rao’s keen wit and satirical lens, breathing life into a world where the familiar blends with the fantastical. His reverse painting technique on acrylic sheets adds intriguing perspectives, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Each piece invites viewers to engage deeply, with titles that add new dimensions and sometimes trick the eye.
As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to an enlightening conversation with the artist, who shared the inspirations behind his work and the unique creative journey that led to the ‘Footpath Series’. The atmosphere was filled with lively discussions and shared laughter, making it not just an art show but a joyous celebration of life, humour and the beauty found in the everyday. It was a night that reminded us all of the power of art to connect, amuse, and inspire.
“Satirical Symphony” invited art lovers to explore Rajeswara Rao’s humorous and critical world, where each piece offers a new lens to view society. This solo exhibition was a harmonious fusion of wit, observation, and technique, challenging and delighting viewers in equal measure.