ART BY THOTA VAIKUNTAM: SERIGRAPHS (PRINTS) FOR SALE

Thota Vaikuntam is a legendary contemporary Indian artist from Telangana, which has served as a perpetual source of inspiration for his art. His longstanding muses are the sensuous and voluptuous women of his hometown, with their omnipresent red bindis and colorful saris that highlight their dusky skin.

In order to best capture the simple lifestyle of the villagers from Telangana, art by Thota Vaikuntam uses similarly simple colors in his original paintings and fine art prints. He explains, “I like using rich, primary colors in my paintings, which give them a sense of character and depth. Red, saffron and even orange are essentially Indian colors, and I use them extensively. However, colors that are a mix of two are not natural since they don’t exist in surroundings around us, in our everyday life.”

Thota Vaikuntam completed his Bachelor’s degree in Art at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad and his Master’s from M.S. University, Baroda. He has received multiple awards, including the Bharat Bhavan Biennale Award.

You are welcome to buy artist Thota Vaikuntam’s original paintings and prints online or view them at our gallery in Palo Alto (San Francisco Bay Area). All artworks, including serigraphs, are hand signed by the artist.

Thota Vaikuntam welcomes requests for commissioned paintings. If you like a painting that has sold, or if you have a particular space in mind, a custom painting can be made to your taste and specifications regarding size, color palette and other details.

A step-by-step demonstration of the serigraphic printing process.

How did Thota Vaikuntam’s family influence his artistic journey?

Although he had an uneasy childhood, Mr. Vaikuntam found comfort in the strength and kindness of his parents. His father, Venkaiah, often traveled to sell wares from the family’s kirana shop, leaving his mother, Sathyamma, to tend the shop while managing domestic chores and caring for the children. Sathyamma’s resilience made a lasting impression on the young artist, planting the seeds for his paintings that celebrate Telangana women.

How did Thota Vaikuntam support himself and his family before he achieved success as a full-time artist?

For nearly two decades, he took odd jobs while still pursuing art. He taught art to children at Bal Bhavan, and he also taught puppet-making. From 1978 to 1990, he worked as an art director and made seven Telugu films with his friend B. Narsing Rao. While these were not commercially successful films, Mr. Vaikuntam enjoyed the work and won a National Award for his art direction of Daasi.

What was the turning point in his life and art?

In the early 1980s, Mr. Vaikuntam’s mother became ill, and he cared for her during final years. He struggled with immense grief after her death, and this dark period ultimately landed him in the hospital. His wife, Suguna, supported him in his recovery, which deepened their connection. This personal crisis inspired him to focus on his family and approach his art with more discipline. By 1985, he had solidified the image of Telangana women, and he began to receive recognition from collectors and museums—there was no looking back after that!

When and how did Thota Vaikuntam’s signature Telangana woman evolve?

Mr. Vaikuntam traveled to villages across Telangana in the mid-1980s, where he sketched rustic scenes of farmers, laborers, priests and of course, women. Inspired by his respect and adoration for his mother, he also depicted the strength and beauty of local women. His first break came when he began incorporating more color in his paintings of these women. This early success encouraged him to focus on this subject and develop his signature iconic images of Telangana women.

What does the parrot symbolize in his paintings?

Bright green parrots frequently appear in Thota Vaikuntam’s portraits of couples as a symbol of love and good fortune.
To learn more about his journey as an artist and deep connection to Telangana, read our blog about unknown facts about artist Thota Vaikuntam.

Can you help source original artwork by Thota Vaikuntam?

Yes, in addition to our collection of serigraphs, we do sell original paintings by Thota Vaikuntam. We frequently collaborate with private collectors, art dealers and partner galleries to source authentic originals by modern artists on request.

What is a serigraph?

Serigraphs are a type of high quality, limited edition screen print made on high quality paper in collaboration with the artist. Each print is numbered and signed by the artist. To learn more, read our blog on collecting serigraphs.

What is the serigraphic printing process?

Producing serigraphs is a meticulous, completely manual process. Using the original artwork as the master guide, a different stencil is created for each color that will compose the image. Then, the ink is pushed through the corresponding stencil onto the paper and then laid flat on a drying rack. This step is repeated multiple times, using a separate stencil for each color. A single serigraphic print can have as many as 25 colors or more.

What makes a print more valuable?

The value of a serigraph is determined by the artist’s notability, the edition size and the presence of a signature. A serigraph’s most important feature is the artist’s signature, which confirms its authenticity as a genuine artwork.

Are fine art prints a good investment?

Yes, the value of a serigraph can keep increasing with time, depending on the artist’s historical importance and the specific serigraph.

Are the artworks signed?

Yes, all paintings and prints are hand signed by the artist and come with a certificate of authenticity.

Is shipping available worldwide?

Yes, we offer both domestic and international shipping, and all fees are calculated upon purchase and included on your invoice. We frequently ship throughout the US as well as to Europe, Africa and Asia.

How are the artworks shipped?

All works including paintings, prints and sculptures are professionally packed. Smaller paintings can be shipped flat, and larger paintings can be unstretched and rolled in a tube. Prints are shipped rolled in a tube. Each shipment is covered by transit insurance.

Are exchanges accepted?

Yes, we do offer exchanges for paintings purchased by remote clients who are based in the United States. Paintings must be returned in the same perfect condition in order to be eligible for exchange. Please refer to our FAQ page for more details on our exchange policy.

Are the artworks framed?

No, neither the paintings nor serigraphs are sold framed. While it is not necessary to frame a canvas, it can be a stylistic choice and help integrate the painting with the existing decor. Meanwhile, works on paper must always be framed to properly protect them from warping and discoloration. You can read more advice about framing paintings and framing fine art prints on our blog.

How should the artwork be taken care of?

As a resource for clients, we have written a guide on the best art care tips for canvases and works on paper.