About Ramesh Gorjala
Ramesh Gorjala, born in 1979 in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh, is an artist deeply rooted in Indian tradition yet brings a contemporary touch to his work. Coming from a family of weavers, Gorjala was naturally drawn to the arts from a young age, especially influenced by his uncle, a national award-winning Kalamkari artist. This early exposure to the intricate and delicate Kalamkari technique, which is native to his hometown, profoundly shaped his artistic journey.
Gorjala pursued formal art education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (BFA) from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University in Hyderabad. His artistic focus is on Indian mythology, where he skillfully recreates Hindu gods and goddesses like Krishna, Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Buddha. What sets Gorjala apart is his unique interpretation of these divine figures. He doesn’t just paint them as isolated entities; instead, he integrates multiple images within a single composition, weaving complex narratives on his canvases.
Gorjala’s art is a vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity. His work is characterized by the use of warm, rich colors like red, orange, brown, blue, and gold. These colors bring his mythological subjects to life, making them appear both timeless and contemporary. He often uses a checkerboard pattern in black, white, and grey in the background, adding a modern twist to the traditional themes. Another distinctive feature of his work is the inclusion of text fragments in the background, which adds depth and a new dimension to his paintings.
The leaf motif, central to much of his work, represents various emotions and cycles of life. This motif, although traditionally simple, becomes complex and symbolic in Gorjala’s hands. He often removes the leaf from its natural context, isolating it to create rhythm and meaning far beyond its original form. This approach allows Gorjala to explore larger truths of life through a simple, yet powerful, symbol.
Throughout his career, Gorjala has received numerous accolades. In 2000, he was awarded the "Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Memorial Award" from the Victoria Technical Institute in Chennai. Two years later, in 2002, he won the State Award from the Andhra Pradesh Crafts Council. These awards highlight his contribution to preserving and revitalizing traditional Indian art forms while also pushing their boundaries.
Gorjala's work has been showcased in many solo and group exhibitions across India and internationally. His solo exhibitions include 'Mythological Metaphor' at Chawla Art Gallery in New Delhi in 2010 and ‘Embracing Modernity’ at Mon Art Gallerie in Kolkata in 2007. He has also participated in numerous group shows in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Bangalore, and London. His work is recognized and appreciated by art collectors worldwide, and some of his pieces are even part of prestigious collections, including a permanent display at the Hyderabad International Airport.
In essence, Ramesh Gorjala’s art is a celebration of Indian mythology, tradition, and culture, presented through a modern lens. His ability to blend the ancient with the contemporary makes his work both captivating and meaningful, resonating with audiences across the globe.
