I remember my grandmother's kitchen with its clay pots and gleaming steel and copperware. That was a real kitchen, where nothing was concealed and you’d get overwhelmed by the abject amount of items in your gaze with innumerable herbs and spices and an array of intricate doodads for making snacks and mithais lined the shelves. In the mornings, I was woken up by the rhythmic grinding of the mortar and pestle instead of a mixer grinder for chutney; it was way less aggressive than the alarm sounds resembling a construction site. Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, I feel an emptiness that’s hard to ignore. The sleek, minimal design with my air fryer, microwave, and closed cabinets feels cold and detached compared to the tactile experience of the past. It’s a stark reminder of how we’ve traded the warmth and culture of an Indian kitchen for a streamlined efficiency that lacks soul. I find myself yearning for the days when the kitchen had richness and character compared to the sterile, modern aesthetics of today.

Anjaneyulu G’s latest exhibition, ‘Past Forward’, at Art Alive Gallery is a similar exploration of time, tradition, and change. The artist, who was born in the Suryapet district of Telangana, uses ordinary household vessels once essential for survival as a canvas to paint a complex portrait of his homeland's evolution. By juxtaposing ancient bronze vessels with sleek modern stainless steel counterparts, Anjaneyulu creates a visual dialogue between the past and present. It’s a stark contrast that mirrors the rapid transformation that Telangana has undergone. These objects, once imbued with daily rituals, now stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era.

The exhibition isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s a deep dive into the rural heart of Telangana, where every vessel carries a story. G’s hyper-realistic style brings these objects to life, highlighting their intricate details and the patina of time. Yet, there’s a surreal undercurrent to his work, as if questioning the reality of these objects in a world that has moved on. In his paintings, the old copper vessels are juxtaposed with shiny new stainless steel with iridescent colours - a style that is reminiscent of retro futuristic vintage sci-fi comics. It was a way metal was depicted to portray the future that the artist brings in his work to contrast the past. 

The passage of time may be a common theme in the fine arts but as a master of observation, Anjaneyulu narrows it down through his use of culinary objects. He elevates the mundane: a water pot; a cooking vessel - to iconic status. His paintings are not mere representations but rather meditations on the objects’ significance in the lives of people. It’s a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come and perhaps, a gentle nudge to cherish our roots. With ‘Past Forward’, Anjaneyulu G invites us to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, and to contemplate the ever-shifting sands of time.

‘Past Forward’ is on display at the Art Alive Gallery in Delhi till September 7. Follow Anjaneyulu G here and find out more about the exhibition here.

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