Hyderabad:Renowned artist Thota Vaikuntam has been chosen for the 32nd Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award for his contribution to showcasing Telangana’s culture on the global stage through his art.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma will present the award on April 30 at the KLN Prasad Auditorium. The memorial award includes a citation, along with a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Born in 1942 in Karimnagar’s Burugupalli, Vaikuntam has drawn lifelong inspiration from village life, folk performances, and rituals. His paintings often feature bold, dark-skinned women in bright saris, with large red bindis and traditional jewellery, reflecting the spirit of rural Telangana.
He studied fine arts in Hyderabad and Baroda, and worked as a teacher at Hyderabad Bal Bhavan for 15 years. He was art director for films like ‘Palleturi Pillagada’, ‘Maa Bhoomi’, ‘Matti Manshulu’ and ‘Daasi’, for which he received a National Award in 1989.
In 1988, he received the Biennale Award from Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal, and a national award for painting in 1993.
Over the years, Vaikuntam’s unique style has gained worldwide acclaim. His artworks have been exhibited internationally and auctioned by top houses like Christie’s. The Yudhvir Foundation praised his talent and called him a true ambassador of Telangana’s culture.
Former IPS officer Aruna Bahuguna, chairperson of Yudhvir Foundation, said that Vaikuntam’s artwork and unique imagery paid tribute to the vibrant art and culture of Telangana.
