Young At Art Group makes a mark in Hyderabad’s contemporary art circuit

With different styles and perspectives, the group with of four artists bring social issues on to the canvas

Each time the Young At Art Group (YAAG) holds a show, they tackle social issues. Though the members share a common interest in diversity and engaging with issues, individual members of YAAG follow their own artistic path, coming together only for a annual group show.

The group comprises Jangaiah Polepogu, Naresh Bollu, Ramesh Baikani and Dana Sai Shashank as core members. Hailing from humble backgrounds in Telangana, the artists who have different styles and perspectives, follow an individual path when not working on their annual group show.

Formed in 2014, the seed for YAAG’s was sown in Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU), Masab Tank in Hyderabad. “While pursuing Masters in Fine Arts, we felt the contemporary art scene in Hyderabad had only traditional stylised work. We were passionate to create art that draws attention,” recollects Jangaiah.

While the group’s earlier two shows were held at Nehru Arts Gallery in JNAFAU, its recent mixed media show ‘4X4’ (so titled as four artists displayed four works each and the show was inaugurated at 4.44 pm) was at the State Art Gallery in Madhapur.

Responsible art

It has been an arduous journey for artist Jangaiah who hails from Keshampet village in the Mahbubnagar district. With his parents being farm labourers struggling to make ends meet, he came to Hyderabad to study art. He made a mark with group shows and founded PoPo, an Art institute in Balkampet. Surrealism is Jangaiah’s forte. Juxtaposing elements of everyday life with beautiful imagery, he makes a comment on life around us.

His works on the chemical ripening of fruits, ‘‘Evolution of Human Being’ series reflects on the present-day society urging people to believe in science. “If we believe in evolution that is science-based, we realise we are responsible for our own lives. I want to depict how science is important ,” he says.