Essence of Hyderabad

Basically Hyderabadi at first glance, is a trip down memory lane for most of us who have lived in the city. The scenes and profiles are bound to evoke images of experiences that one has had in Hyderabad.

Quintessentially Hyderabadi, the paintings depict the leisurely pace of the old city, of women clad in burkhas strolling in an unhurried manner through bazaars, a group of bearded men clustered together and a charcoal sketch of an old fakir with a flowing beard.

The artist, Syed Rayees Ahmed, has resorted to the cubis style, the provenance of renowned artist Pablo Picasso, for his paintings. Crisp geometric lines with bright colours bring out the colourful attire of the Hyderabadis beautifully. In sharp contrast to the gaiety in their attire, their expressions remain somber and unassuming, born of a simple and unquestioning faith in their way of life. This is a style that has been inspired by famous artist, Laxma Goud, whose artwork has similar flashes of colourful raiment in marked contrast with charcoal-grey poker-faced expressions.

In keeping with the cubis style, the artist has tried to show inner qualities in portraits with the use of multiple well defined facets instead of a single frontal aspect. The paintings also show a stained glass effect similar to the Byzantine religious paintings, which the artist has adapted in a modern style with the use of religious icons that merge in with the forms depicted in the paintings.

The collection is a mixed one, with paintings and sketches done by the artist. The sketches which were done over a period, truly bring out the influence of the artist’s mentor, Thota Vaikuntam. Done in a sculpturistic style, they have well defined two dimensional lines that somehow contrive to create a three dimensional effect.

However, what really brings out the skill of Rayees is that instead of attempting to replicate his mentor’s style, he has borrowed specific traits from the styles of three different artists, that are best suited to the Hyderabadi scenario and has created a wonderful collection.

While Vaikuntam’s strokes are thicker and bold, which works perfectly for the rustic settings that he portrays, Rayees has toned down his strokes to suit the frailty and delicate lines of Hyderabadi features. His sketches also bring into prominence the expression in the eyes of the veiled women.

In short, the collection makes for an interesting viewing. Basically Hyderabadi — Chronicles of Old City is on view at the Iconart Gallery till November 20.