Facilitating the talent of budding artists

The recently concluded ‘Rhythm of Colours’ show at RaAGa (Ramam Art Ghar) was a huge success; it brought together a plethora of artistes in the city. Organised by the founder, Rajeswari Vadapally, the effort was to encourage emerging talent.

Rajeswari Vadapalli is a Japanese language professional turned artiste, who is keen on developing an Indo-Japan niche by amalgamating the art themes of the two countries.

She is from Delhi, living in Secunderabad. With RaAGa, she plans to create an effective visual and literal dialogue in form of curated art shows, art critiques, intra disciplinary events, art books and seminars.

She spoke about her works and explained how all artistes gathered at one stage in her interview.

Tell us about yourself.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Japanese language from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Later, I worked as a Japanese language and cultural expert in organisations like Wipro and TCS. I have a hobby of painting from my childhood.

How did you get a thought to start RaAGa art gallery?
I have seen that many artistes have no chance to show their talent. I started RaAGa to encourage these amateur artists. RaAGa is not all about paintings; it is also a platform to music related people. It is a non-profit organisation; expenditure will be shared between the artistes. RaAGa started in 2014 in memory of my father TV Sriram.

How many paintings you have drawn?
Till now I did 50 paintings and my ambition is to work in Japanese culture and to draw paintings of the country.

Did you get any co-operation from your family?
My husband gave me full support. He is working in a private sector.

How did you gather all these amateur artists on to one stage?
I started this in my Whatsapp group. Later, we got more than 100 artists in the online community of different age groups and professions who responded positively. In our group, we have amateur artists as well as two artists who were painting from more than 30 years. People from Singapore and the US also participated in our community.

Tell us about recently concluded art show Rhythm of Colours?
Over 50 works of 24 artists were on display. Artists have showcased their talent in front of eminent Painter Thota Vaikuntam, MV Ramana Reddy and Lok Ayukta of AP and TS Justice Subhashan Reddy that got them full confidence. My piece was BIJIN; it’s a Japanese painting which means ‘A Beautiful Lady’. These types of platforms are much needed for amateur artists to gain confidence in them.

Have you faced any financial problems?
No, I haven’t faced any financial problems because RaAGa is a non-profit organisation. In every show all the participants share the expensive equally.

What would you say one word about RaAGa?
It is a place where all artists have a chance to get-together, discuss and enjoy about their works.

What are your future plans?
We are looking forward to conduct many workshops on art and music in upcoming days.

By:Sateesh Reddy