Nestled in the by-lanes of Narsingi/Kokapet — the growing IT hub of Hyderabad — the Anantyam Qalaa (AQ) art gallery promises to transform the city’s art circuit. The gallery is to be formally launched on December 22, celebrating the winners of their flagship event — Concours by Qalaa (A contest of art for artists across India with an award of ₹1 lakh each for winners and gallery collaborations). ‘Anantyam’ meaning ‘infinity’ is envisaged as a space for high-end, bespoke art and an art firm acting as a bridge between artists and their audience.

Multi-purpose venue

Co-founded by two sisters Jyotsna Kumar and Snighda Reddy, the expansive 3000 square-foot AQ is designed to be a multi-purpose, well-lit venue with upscale audio-video systems suitable for art shows, workshops and performance arts. “AQ is fuelled by the passion and ambition of two women who have broken a range of stereotypes in their personal and professional lives over the years. Their belief at Anantyam Qalaa is simple - It’s a blessing to be able to love all that we do, and an even greater privilege to do what we love,” says a release.

Currently mounted with Jyotsna’s personal collection of artworks including renowned folk artist Baua Devi’s Mithila paintings, the gallery walls are vibrant. The space with a mini stage area has collapsible multi-purpose wooden panels, to hang a couple of artworks that help in visual representation during video art or just collapsed against a window.

Tribute to grandfather

Jyotsna Kumar and Snighda Reddy | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Anantyam Qalaa is a tribute to Mahaveer Lal ‘Painter,’ by his two granddaughters Jyotsna and Snigdha. Says Jyotsna, “He was an accomplished artist who “got a name, but never money” and AQ seeks to not only carry forward his legacy but also advocate for artists’ dignity and fair recognition.’

Born and brought up in Patna, Jyotsna has lived in Hyderabad for over a decade. Currently working as a director in Google (the company’s first woman director), Jyotsna’s journey vis à vis art began as an art collector.

The neighbourhood is an ideal location for the sisters’ passion project, which has Snigdha’s husband, Padamati Sandeep Reddy, as a director. “This part of the city is emerging in a big way in terms of people with deep pockets and those who appreciate art.”

Understanding the art market

Earlier, Jyotsna had not been optimistic about the Hyderabad art scene. Heartfelt conversations with artists to understand what what they seek has helped her understand the art market and build a brand that offers unique, niche art. “It is not a shop to sell art, ” says Jyotsna adding, “I am a firm believer in change; what worked in the past, won’t work in future. One needs to become great to be able to just be good in the coming months so that evolution happens faster.” While she wants artists not to think of the gallery as a place where ‘they would be exploited’ to build her inventory, she hopes they see it as a hub of mature conversations paving the way for long-term collaborations.

Performance arts, Jyotsna says will be a big part of the gallery. “It’s going to be a hotbed for performance art-related events because it strengthens the engagement and builds relationships.”

With her professional commitments, can she manage this new endeavour? “I am only the brains behind it; I have a capable, strong team executing it for me.” While her husband, Abhijit Kumar, takes care of the gallery logistics and event management, Snigdha and Sandeep will operate it full time.

With an aspiration to launch a foundation, the sisters hope to expand their plans to Maheshwaram, a village in Telangana, to set up something new on 10,000 square feet.