T. Vaikuntam, born in 1942 in Boorugupali, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent artist known for his vibrant depictions of rural life, particularly the women of Telangana. He completed a Diploma in Painting at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture in
T. Vaikuntam, born in 1942 in Boorugupali, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent artist known for his vibrant depictions of rural life, particularly the women of Telangana. He completed a Diploma in Painting at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture in Hyderabad in 1970, followed by another diploma in Painting and Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, in 1972. Vaikuntam held his first solo exhibition at Kala Bhavan in Hyderabad in 1973 and has since showcased his work regularly in galleries across Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
His recent exhibitions include "Yes, I am He" at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai (2007), "Telangana: Inheritance of a Dream Lost" at Art Alive in New Delhi (2007), and "Mukham" at Sanskriti Art Gallery in Kolkata (2006). Inspired by the rural landscapes and the people of his home state, his work often features the men and women of his village, with a particular focus on Telangana women. This fascination began in his childhood, when he was captivated by male artists impersonating female characters in traveling theater groups. Vaikuntam lives and works in Hyderabad, where he continues to explore the vibrancy of his subjects.
Academics
Diploma in Painting at the College of Fine Arts and Architecture in Hyderabad in 1970
Diploma in Painting and Printmaking from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, in 1972.
Awards
Hyderabad Art Society Award Andhra Pradesh Lalit Kala Academy, 1975-1977
‘Mahakoshal Kala Samithi’, Madhya Pradesh Award from Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, India, 1979
Academy of Fine Arts Award, Kolkata, 1979
Chitra Kala Parishad Award, Bangalore, India , 1979
Hyderabad Art Society Award, Andhra Pradesh Lalit Kala Academy, 1982 & 1985
Biennale Award, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, 1988
National Award Art Direction of Film ‘Daasi’, 1989
National Award for Painting, 1993