Desire us: An Interlude 1, Ink on paper cut, 20"x 17", 2017.
‘I am like a mediator – a facilitator between the situation and the people in it. Relying more on my photographic memory, I explicitly carry out the snapshot without telling stories and refraining from the formal narrative. People have been my muses – always. The raw passion intoxicates me to delve into their physical persona and a little on their reveller psyche, in turn allowing myself to indulge on their intemperance. It is totally Indian.’
With a BFA from Andhra University and an MFA from Hyderabad Central University, Rajeswara Rao began his artistic career almost 30 years ago. Today, he is one of India’s leading artists, and the recipient of multiple fellowships and scholarships awarded by the Government of India. His works are a part of several public and private collections.
Taking from the passions and pleasures of society and how superficiality runs most social networks, Rajeswara Rao envisions his work as an amalgamation of the media and the many obsessions of the present world. With wit and humour, the compositions represent the many faces of society, while showcasing their vibrant but pseudo-personalities.
Why do you do art?
That's what I can do. That’s the only thing I can do – compulsively, naturally and happily.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
If everything goes well, I see myself in my studio, exploring, experimenting and creating new works of art.
If you could meet your artistic hero/inspiration, who would that be?
David Hockney
How would you best describe your studio/workspace?
My studio has the fragrance, memories, the feel, the relationships and the aura that are best suited to my working conditions. It throbs with life. It is the nucleus of my meaningful existence...of living.
How would you want to be remembered?
As an artist who gave us some great art, of course!
