Thota Vaikuntam’s Art in His Own Words
Renowned Indian artist Thota Vaikuntam is a masterful storyteller. Across an impressive range of mediums — including vibrant paintings, limited edition serigraphs, striking charcoal works and sculptures — Vaikuntam’s art reflects a profound connection to his roots in Telangana, often depicting scenes of village women and joyful celebrations with family. He is known for his simple lines, bold color palette and, above all, his spectacular ability to capture the soul of rural Telangana.
What better way to learn about an artist’s practice than through his own words? Below is a selection of art by Thota Vaikuntam alongside quotes from the artist himself.
— Sonia Patwardhan
Who is Vaikuntam? Without painting, I am nothing.
I’m a villager, not a city man. Maybe because my childhood memory clings to my roots. I’ve taken from my people in Telangana. I draw them. I take my colors from them. I’ve taken details from their everyday lives, stylized them, and made them look grand.
I’m a villager, not a city man. Maybe because my childhood memory clings to my roots. I’ve taken from my people in Telangana. I draw them. I take my colors from them. I’ve taken details from their everyday lives, stylized them, and made them look grand.
Ah, the Telangana woman! As a man, I love a woman’s form and beauty… I have never hidden the fact that I blatantly take from them my lines, colors from their bright saris, decorative designs, their static features, heavy lips and utterly dark complexion which is of enormous beauty. Without them, beauty would cease to exist. Their rustic simplicity holds enormous appeal and charm for me. Let me tell you, though it has taken me a whole lifetime of work, I am still working at getting her perfect.
My women are really like goddesses to me. Like Bhatukamma, the goddess of life. Or my mother, who gave me what I wanted. Everything emerges from that.
My women are really like goddesses to me. Like Bhatukamma, the goddess of life. Or my mother, who gave me what I wanted. Everything emerges from that.
Right from the beginning, I realized that with iconography, you have to reach a certain level, then let it be. When I was forty-two, I began to do these works. Before that, my work was entirely different. I realized as I grew older that I had to concentrate more on the humans than anything else.
For painting, life is a sketch. When we want to do painting, we draw, we create lines. Whoever has a good sketch, will be successful in life.
For painting, life is a sketch. When we want to do painting, we draw, we create lines. Whoever has a good sketch, will be successful in life.
Women are the foundation. The way they style their hair, adhere to their culture and traditions, adorn themselves with ornaments, and embody various roles. One thing is clear: women are the primary pillar, leading and guiding everyone around them.
All my paintings are festive. I seldom show solitary figures. Even when I do, they seem to be gearing up for festivities amidst a riot of color. My people are not rich, but they are a very happy people. They enjoy the small, beautiful things in life. Even money can’t buy happiness. My paintings are an expression of these rural joys, of a connection with the soil and other human beings. I am part of what I paint.
All my paintings are festive. I seldom show solitary figures. Even when I do, they seem to be gearing up for festivities amidst a riot of color. My people are not rich, but they are a very happy people. They enjoy the small, beautiful things in life. Even money can’t buy happiness. My paintings are an expression of these rural joys, of a connection with the soil and other human beings. I am part of what I paint.
My intention as an artist is for my paintings to evoke joy and delight in the spectator’s life. I create paintings for the people.
To browse our curated collection of contemporary paintings and fine art prints by Indian artist Thota Vaikuntam, visit https://laasyaart.com/thota-vaikuntam. If you would like to make an appointment to see these works in person at our Indian art gallery in Palo Alto, please reach out at info@laasyaart.com or +1 650-770-9088.
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