Visit The Living Temple Art Exhibition at T-Works, Hyderabad, showcasing over 100+ artworks honoring India’s temple art, culture and heritage. Open until March 2, 2025.
The much-awaited ‘Living Temple’ exhibition was officially inaugurated today at T-Works, Raidurgam, Hyderabad, marking the beginning of a unique celebration of India’s temple art, culture, and heritage. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Smita Sabharwal, IAS (Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, and Youth Affairs Department), Mamidi Harikrishna (Director, Culture Department, Government of Telangana), and eminent archaeologist KK Muhammed (former Regional Director, North, Archaeological Survey of India).
Curated by Annapurna Madipadiga and supported by Telangana Tourism, ‘Living Temple’ brings together over 30 renowned artists from across the country to honor the rich legacy of Indian temples. The exhibition features over 100 exquisite artworks that beautifully blend traditional temple art with contemporary artistic expressions.
Inaugural Speeches and Highlights
During the inaugural address, Smita Sabharwal expressed her support for initiatives that highlight cultural heritage and arts. “Tourism cannot thrive without the fabric of heritage and art. We welcome all initiatives, whether public or private, that promote our cultural roots. I encourage you to make this a calendar event, as it has the potential to grow and offer opportunities for emerging artists,” she said. While she admitted not being an art expert, Sabharwal promised her continued support for such endeavors.
Also Read: ‘Living Temple’ A Celebration of India’s Timeless Temple Art and Heritage
Eminent archaeologist KK Muhammed delivered a compelling speech on the future of heritage tourism. Drawing from his extensive experience in temple conservation, he stressed the need for innovative, immersive experiences that go beyond traditional exhibits. Citing his recent conservation efforts in Pateshwar, Chambal Valley, where he helped preserve 80 out of 200 chambers, he proposed that heritage tourism should include live performances, crafts, and cultural experiences to bring monuments to life. Muhammed also suggested the creation of cultural museums, such as a ‘Baghi Museum’ in Madhya Pradesh, to mirror global examples and ensure that local communities, artisans, and heritage experts are integrated into the tourism ecosystem.
Artist and art director Thota Tharani shared his unique perspective on heritage preservation in the context of filmmaking. Tharani emphasized respecting nature and art during shoots, recalling how film crews often damage trees and sculptures. He explained that he actively prevents such harm, ensuring that no tree or branch is chopped for the frame. Additionally, Tharani highlighted his efforts to restore areas after filming, using plaster replicas of sculptures to preserve their integrity. His approach focuses on maintaining the sanctity of cultural spaces and returning them to their original state, as a gesture of respect to the heritage they represent.
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A Three-Day Art Extravaganza
The three-day event has already left visitors in awe with its diverse collection of artworks, engaging panel discussions on topics such as Art, Heritage Tourism, and the Missing Link, along with captivating performances and cultural displays. Notable participating artists include Thota Tharani, Amar Ramesh, Drdha, Charanjeet, Parnavi Bangar, Rayanna Giridhar Gowd, Sangam Vankhade, Vinod Daroz, and many others. Their works represent a wide range of mediums and styles, each telling a unique story of temple art and its preservation.
In addition to the visual art, the event highlights the invaluable contributions of experts like archaeologist KK Muhammed, photographer Amar Ramesh, and artist Drdha Vrata, all of whom have dedicated their lives to preserving and documenting India’s ancient temple heritage.
Exhibition Details
The ‘Living Temple’ exhibition will run until March 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at T-Works, Silpa Gram, Hyderabad. Visitors are invited to experience the fusion of art, culture, and heritage, as this grand celebration of India’s temple culture unfolds over the next few days.
The inaugural day set the stage for an unforgettable experience, with the exhibition proving to be a powerful testament to the living legacy of India’s temple art and culture.
