In this groundbreaking exhibition, Thota Vaikuntam, renowned for his vivid portrayals of Telangana's rural life, ventures into the realm of textile art, collaborating with the esteemed Shams family of Agra—masters of the intricate zardozi embroidery tradition. This series marks Vaikuntam’s first foray into embroidery, translating his iconic imagery into tactile, embellished forms.
The Shams family, often referred to as the "Michelangelo of Zardozi," brings generations of expertise to this collaboration, infusing Vaikuntam's compositions with the opulence of gold and silver threads, sequins, and beads. Their craftsmanship adds a new dimension to Vaikuntam's depictions of robust Telangana women, adorned in traditional attire and jewellery, capturing the essence of rural Indian life with renewed depth and texture.
This fusion of Vaikuntam's bold, primary-coloured figures with the Shams family's elaborate embroidery techniques creates a dialogue between painting and textile, modernity and tradition. The works celebrate the strength and grace of rural Indian women, while also highlighting the rich heritage of zardozi embroidery.
This exhibition invites viewers to experience a confluence of artistic disciplines, where Vaikuntam's visual narratives are transformed through the lens of textile artistry, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes and honouring the enduring legacy of Indian craftsmanship.
