Laxman Aelay’s ‘Inked Images’ on birds, animals and urban spaces

Hyderabad artist Laxman Aelay’s monochromatic series ‘Inked Images’ was born during lockdown as he observed the freedom enjoyed by birds and animals

“The pandemic changed the way I approach art,” says Laxman Aelay. ‘Inked Images’, a monochromatic series of 50 pen and ink drawings by the well known artist from Hyderabad, reflects this change in approach. On view at Kadari Art Gallery in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, and virtually (kadariartgallery.com), Inked Images is the artist’s multi-layered depiction of birds, animals and insects in the urban ecosystem. Aelay worked on this series in 2020 when India went into lockdown in March. “As artists, we are used to isolation. In addition, since there were no social obligations or meetings to attend, I could give my undivided attention to my work,” he says. A few days before the lockdown, he had visited the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad accompanied by other artists. The artists had sponsored the upkeep of the 37-year-old elephant Sita, following their earlier series Gaja, an exhibition of elephant sculptures. “I observed the animals and birds at close quarters in the zoo. Once the lockdown was imposed, we all heard how animals and birds had more freedom to explore urban spaces and highways. All this prompted me to work on this series and touch upon multiple issues,” he says.