An imposing canvas of the Buddha set in a blue backdrop with intricate Kalamkari patterns catches the eye at the Eastern Art Museum. It is one of the works of artist P. Bramha, who specialises in abstract art. At another corner, the striking tribal portraits of artist Vasu vie for attention.
It was a potpourri of selective artworks of some of the known names in the art circle of the city. Works of nine artists — K.V.S. Prasad, Kamesh, K. Ravi, B. Baskar, Srinivas Potelu, Sharmila Karri, Bobby Abraham, Bramha, and Vasu — were displayed at the two-day exhibition that concluded on Saturday.
Discount
“The exhibition was held to promote the local artists and give them a platform to reach out to the connoisseurs of the city. We intend to hold an art exhibition every month to create awareness about the talent and great works of the artists in the city,” said Prem Mirpuri of the museum.
At the store’s inaugural art exhibition, the artists offered a 20 per cent discount on the selling price of their art works. Ranging from Rs.12,000 to Rs. 80,000, the artworks presented a range of contemporary styles done in oil and acrylic on canvas, which dominated the collection, and a few water colour artworks. The artists feel that the art scene in the city has gained momentum in the past three to four years and art is entering the households with many artists tying up with interior designers. “Five years ago, I used to struggle to sell even one piece of artwork a month. That situation has changed. Now, five to six of my works go every month,” said Bramha, who has exhibited his works in Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and a few in the U.S. too.
While it may be too early to compare the art scene of Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad, the opening of art galleries in the city and newer platforms for exhibiting art is nevertheless an encouraging sign.
Cities such as New York and Sacramento are famous for their street and public art installations. Referring to the examples of these cities, the artists feel that such initiatives can generate huge livelihood opportunities.
Two-day exhibition of selective works of some known names in the city proves to be a connoisseur’s delight
