Satirical Symphony: A solo show by A Rajeswara Rao

A Rajeswara Rao’s solo exhibition, Satirical Symphony, is currently on display at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road. The exhibition opened on September 12 and will remain on view until September 18.

The exhibition showcases Rao’s unique reverse painting technique on acrylic sheets, exploring everyday human experiences through satire and humour. His works feature vibrant compositions that invite viewers to engage with the psychological desires of ordinary people and their ambitions. The artist uses his distinctive style to create a layered narrative that blurs the line between the familiar and the fantastical.

Speaking about the inspiration for his series, Rao said, “I moved to the bustling city of Hyderabad, where after some time I went to a village and built a studio. The village was close to my studio. I used to wander the village, then. I felt everyone there was really poor. The ladies used to stroll on foot to their fields, and there were narrow lanes where people used to commute on bicycles. All of a sudden, an industrial group shows up in the area. Their lifestyle and style were totally changed by this. I find it funny that they began travelling motorbikes and cars and wearing leggings and glasses. This amuses me because I am aware that they lived in poverty from 1996 to 2000. All at once, money creates and changes everything. I started this series wearing leggings and glasses for that reason. They are imitating the higher society, which always makes me laugh”.

The evening was graced by prominent guests including Indian Writer Aman Nath, Actor Nitin Arora, Artist Chippa Sudhkar, Golf Player Neelam Pratap Rudy, Artist Simran KS Lamba, Manoj Arora, Japanese Artist Yuriko Lochan, Former Director NGMA  Rajeev Lochan, Deepa Gopinath, Manisha Bhatia, Fashion Designer Preeti Ghai and many more.

“Rajeswara Rao’s bold imagery and satire create a deep impact on viewers,” said Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Gallery. “From large works depicting cityscapes, brides, and ordinary people, to smaller paperworks with strong lines and humour, his use of vibrant colours and superimposed figures captures the essence of everyday life with a satirical twist. After its success in Hyderabad, we are excited to showcase Satirical Symphony in New Delhi”.

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Saurabh Singhvi, Director of Art Magnum, highlighted Rao’s unique style, “His ability to transform observations of people and their mannerisms into a surreal, quirky world is exceptional. His technique and use of satire make his work distinctive, offering humour alongside profound insight. With this exhibition in New Delhi, we promise to stir humour in your sensitivities”.

When: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Until September 18

Where: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodi Road