Exhibition will be held at Visual Art Gallery - India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Guided by the strong principles of his father, Paidi Raju—an esteemed senior artist, poet, sculptor, and art guru—Rajeswara Rao’s work is imbued with profound influence and inspiration. His father’s anecdotes and poetry serve as a rich source of learning for younger artists, demonstrating the power of words and actions. Known for his patience and kindness, Paidi Raju’s ethos is reflected in Rao’s personal and professional life. Rao considers it a blessing to be born into such a family, where his two sisters pursued dance. However, Rao aspired to carve his own identity, distinct from his father’s renowned legacy.
A graduate of Andhra University (Class of ‘83), Rao’s journey took a serendipitous turn when a colleague guided him to the newly established Hyderabad Central University. Rao’s hunger to learn and immerse himself in the art world drove him to leave his comfort zone and move to the bustling city of Hyderabad. His early works delved into the themes of life and death, capturing the raw essence of human existence.
For Rao, the mantra “Sit and think” is essential for an artist to realize their subject and path. He believes that attitude significantly contributes to one’s growth and work. Patience, he asserts, is key to stability in any field. In 1995, his marriage to Padma Reddy, an artist herself, marked another major turning point, profoundly influencing his work.
Rao’s keen wit and satirical lens breathe life into a vivid world where the familiar blends seamlessly with the fantastical. His paintings invite us to encounter characters from the silver screen, regal kings, old classmates, and elaborately adorned women. Through his astute observations and reflective distance, Rao creates a rich tapestry of the human experience.
Employing the reverse painting technique on acrylic sheets, Rao adds intriguing perspectives and dimensions to his subjects. Each brushstroke on the transparent surface reveals his mastery, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. His color palette, a testament to his artistic intuition, sometimes opts for monochrome simplicity, punctuated by sensuous details. The titles of his works often add new dimensions, inviting viewers to engage deeply with his art and occasionally tricking them into seeing beyond the surface.
This solo exhibition invites you to delve into the satirical world of Rajeswara Rao, where humor and critique intertwine, and each piece offers a new lens through which to view society. Witness the harmonious fusion of wit, observation, and technique, as Rao’s work challenges and delights in equal measure.
Annapurna M.