Hyderabad’s art scene is finding new ways to make itself seen
Hyderabad's art scene is undergoing a transformation, moving away from traditional gallery-centric models toward public art, experimental media, and community-driven spaces. Veteran artists reflect on this evolution from a time when the city lacked a formal artistic infrastructure.
Why it matters
The growth of local art scenes reflects broader cultural shifts and the democratization of creative expression in rapidly developing urban centers.
Hyderabad’s heart for art is growing bigger, evolving beyond traditional galleries to embrace diverse stories, forms of expression and new audiences. Installations, experimental media including performance and video art, unconventional exhibition spaces, public art, café workshops and a growing wall-art culture reflect its vibrant scene today.
But 50 years ago, Hyderabad was hardly buzzing with art. “There was no art scene and hardly any practising artists,” says 86-year-old artist Laxma Goud, tracing the city’s artistic evolution.
Renowned artist Laxma Goud | Photo Credit: CV SUBRAHMANYAM
Pakhal Tirumal Reddy, aka PT Reddy, is regarded as one of the city’s pioneering artists, but back then he was not widely known. “Only Narayanguda, the area where he lived and worked, knew about him,” rues Laxma, who, along with the late Surya Prakash and Devraj Dakoji, rented a garage in Himayatnagar to launch a first-of-its-kind collaborative studio.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in