With more than 40 works on display, Thooriga The 4th Collective Exhibit 2024, a new art show to be unveiled this weekend in Hyderabad, offers a vast canvas of creativity and inspiration. ‘Thooriga’, translating to ‘paintbrush’ in Tamil, showcases the works of five Chennai-based female artists—Charanya Rajesh, Gayathri Balaji, Sathya N Prabhu, Yamuna Bala, and Subhashree Sridhar—for the first time in Hyderabad. These artists, who previously exhibited together at Artworld Sarala’s Art Centre, Taj Vivanta in Chennai, and Auroville, Pondicherry, are collaboratively presenting their fourth exhibit, bringing their unique artistic expressions to a new audience.
Charanya Rajesh, one of the participating artists, is known for her realistic portrayals through oil pastels. Her nine works in the exhibit celebrate womanhood and the intricate bond women share with nature, flora, and fauna within the Indian cultural milieu. “My art captures different facets of womanhood—courage, kindness, inner strength, and beauty,” she explains. One of her standout pieces, *Devotion*, pays homage to her hometown Madurai. This painting features a Tamil woman dressed in a traditional sari, accompanied by a parrot, embodying ‘Meenakshi,’ a form of Goddess Paravati. “The woman is in love with Lord Shiva and yearns for His presence,” Charanya elaborates.
Another artist, Gayathri Balaji, captivates viewers with her acrylic and mixed media paintings that depict the grandeur of Indian temple architecture. Gayathri is particularly fascinated by ancient sculptures, especially those seen in Belur. “I often wonder how these magnificent stone sculptures were crafted centuries ago without modern tools,” she muses. Her painting, ‘Swapna Sundari,’ is a testament to this fascination, depicting a woman’s delicate beauty as she shyly regards herself in a mirror. Balaji’s art is not just limited to canvas; she delves into different media and colors, inspired during her travels and photography sessions which serve as references for her art.
Sathya N Prabhu is yet another gem of the exhibition, blending contemporary and traditional styles in her eight acrylic paintings. Strongly influenced by Tamil Nadu’s rich traditions, Sathya’s artworks delve into how ancient temples were economic hubs, providing jobs to artisans and featuring prominently in community rituals and festivals. “My paintings are inspired by these bygone times that I rarely see now,” she reflects.
. Sathya’s background in various media, including printmaking, allows her to capture India’s cultural and epic essence vividly.
With a background in psychology, Yamuna Bala uses her art to explore an individual’s inward journey. “Art has been a means of expression for me. It helps me articulate complex situations I encounter in life,” she shares. Her works are inspired deeply by personal experiences and life’s intricacies. One emotionally charged piece, ‘Kadhai kadhaiyungal,’ was created after her father’s death in 2023. “My father was an incredible storyteller, and his narratives deeply affected my outlook on life. This painting attempts to pass on his legacy to future generations,” says Yamuna. Besides painting, she is also skilled in pottery and sculpting, adding another layer to her artistic repertoire.
Subhashree Sridhar, who is pursuing a master’s degree in illustration at Falmouth University, England, draws inspiration from her travel experiences. Her eight oil paintings featured in the exhibit reflect her encounters with various cultural and architectural wonders, especially temple gopurams, their intricate designs, and street scenes from her explorations. “My work documents my reflections and perceptions of these heritage icons,” she shares. In addition to traditional painting, Subhashree enjoys digital book illustrations, linoprinting, and collage making, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Thooriga The 4th Collective Exhibit 2024 will be hosted at the State Art Gallery, Kavuri Hills, Hyderabad, from August 9 to 14, between 11 am and 7 pm. This exhibition promises to be a visual feast for art enthusiasts, offering an insight into the diverse artistic traditions and contemporary expressions of these talented women artists from Chennai. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in their world of artistic brilliance and cultural richness.