Exploring mythology
Back in 2002, when 24-year-old Ramesh Gorjala graduated from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, he was already familiar with the “mandatory” struggles of an artist’s life.
“My father is a handloom weaver in Srikalahasti, a village near Tirupati, so money was tight. While doing my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) from JNTU, I was staying at a hostel and there were days when I didn’t even have money for food,” recounts the 34-year-old artist, who now works from Srikalahasti and visits Hyderabad once a month. “On the other hand, the environment was a learning palette. We were surrounded by art, with seniors and juniors practicing or making things every day,” he adds.
Ramesh sold his first painting for a few thousand rupees to socialite Anju Poddar. Fast forward 11 years, and his works now hang in various galleries with price tags that are four times higher. He has also conducted solo shows in London, Hong Kong and Dubai. “My parents appreciate my work, even though they had their doubts when I started. I am the only artist in the house, so their fears were justified,” he shares.
Ramesh’s paintings mainly revolve around his interpretation of Indian mythology. “In my final year of college, I had to take up one subject and study it deeply and I chose mythology,” he shares, adding, “I’m planning to make miniatures for my solo show next year, by portraying the entire life of a god on one single canvas.”
“I do paintings for clients on request. So, on an average, I do around five paintings a month. This is apart from the paintings I do for my shows. Fawad Tamkanat, Laxman Aelay and Hanumanth Rao are some of my artist friends in the city. They guided me on my work and informed me about the art market in the beginning,” says Ramesh.
Wouldn’t he prefer to live in Hyderabad, keeping in mind the high demand for his work? “I hardly find the time to paint in the city. There are always so many social events and parties to attend. And if you say no to someone, they end up feeling offended. When I am in my village, I can paint in peace,” he explains.
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