Beyond the canvas
Artist Anjani Reddy talks about art that is wearable, usable and definitely affordable
Why just adorn your home with art when you can actually wear and use it? Working on this very mantra is senior artist Anjani Reddy from the city who creates petite figures of women, not only on huge canvasses but also on small, delicate neck pieces.
As one of the senior artists from Hyderabad, she has made a mark in the world of figurative art by portraying women as the soul of her work
And now, with her recent foray into functional art, the artist has pushed herself to go beyond canvasses.
“Working on something like neck pieces is much more intricate. I have to focus a lot on it as the working space is tiny. I have created over 150 pieces so far and the prices vary and depend on the material used. However, the prices are affordable.
“But the shift is not permanent. It is just a way to let my creative juices flow in a different angle. My first love will always be my colours and a huge canvas,” explains Anjani, who first stepped into the world of fine arts when she was in standard one.
Her earliest inspirations were the elaborate etchings on the pillars of the Chalukya temple in her hometown along with the print frames of Raja Ravi Varma at her house. In 1991, she showcased a solo art show at the Kala Bhavan in Hyderabad. Later, she took her work across other cities in India.
Whether it is her dwelling series or the impressionist series, Anjani’s paintings typically highlight female figures.
According to her, women have an enigma and complexity in them which inspires her to portray them on canvas.
Says Anjani, “I am a woman and am surrounded by a lot of women on a daily basis. I can see the pain which they go through; their despair and happiness.
“There are lots of layers which I try to bring out with acrylic. One birth as an artist is not enough to show women in all their glory on canvas.”
Working on something like neck pieces is much more intricate. I have to focus a lot on it as the working space is tiny. So far I have created 150 pieces — ANJANI REDDY, ARTIST