The perfect art hub
Culture spaces are integral in making a city artistic and another feather in the Hyderabad art scene is Ch Srinivas’ ‘Gallery 78’. Srinivas is a commercial photographer with 25 years of experience in the field. The gallery is designed by Sudhir Reddy of Kruthica Architects. The four-storied building has a fully functional studio for photo shoots, an office, a guest room for in-house artists and living quarters for Srinivas and his family, hence aptly named as ‘House 78’.
Srinivas crafts perfect mix of technicality and creativity in his style of work. He says, “I am photographer specialised in advertising, fashion, and food photography. I studied photography at JNTU College of Fine Arts during 1986-1988. And I started my professional career in 1990 by establishing a studio called ‘Focal Point’. I garnered over two decades of professional career executing several prestigious assignments leading advertising agencies winning several advertising excellence awards. I received ADEX photographer of the year three times.”
An eye for perfection and the surreal, coupled with his intense passion for the craft set his work apart from the others. And this made him create ‘Gallery 78’ It has contemporary art space occupying the first and second levels of the building. Unlike most reinvented houses turned into galleries, ‘Gallery 78’ boasts an authentic custom-designed gallery.
“The ‘Gallery 78’ is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting photographic art and artworks in an intimate environment. Space provides an environment where people can exchange ideas, learn and explore different topics and it is designed to serve many different functions. The two-level gallery, has an AV theatre for screening films, conducting workshops, seminars, etc,” he shared.
The muffled acoustics, expansive walls and focused lighting combine to create the right settings to appreciate the displays without any interference or distraction. The wood benches and perfectly maintained ambient temperatures allow patrons prolonged viewings of the exhibits. About the design, he says, “The design evolved from our own thoughts and Sudhir Reddy has executed it very well. This is uncommon and new sight in the world of art galleries, especially in Hyderabad with noticeable newness. It is certain to inspire the artists to desire a display and seize the viewers’ attention.”
A guest room on the second level is available for any travelling artist in need of accommodation. The third level has an office for meetings, a dressing or make-up room for costume changes and a 1200 sq. ft. studio. The abundant greenery, a coy pond and quirky poster signs add to the charm. A unique feature of the studio is that it has been designed to facilitate shoots in natural daylight as well. High-end equipment, cameras and lighting required for a photo shoot along with the studio are rented out creating a one-stop solution.
Srinivas explains his reasons to create it, “I love art spaces. Living in an art space is a true luxury. I had this land, more than enough for a house and office. I didn’t want to construct a typical apartment and rent it out. I am usually away for work and don’t use the facilities often. That’s when I got the idea for creating a shared mixed-use space.”
Srinivas hopes to create a centre for photography at ‘House 78’ where professionals, amateurs, students and enthusiasts can collaborate, network, conceptualise, practice and showcase their photography, and art. The on going art exhibition, 'Confetti 2018', features some very interesting displays of art, which is a blend of contemporary appeal with strong cultural roots.