'THOTA THARRANI - A Retrospective: 1969-Present' Brings Five Decades of Artistic Exploration to Chennai

Celebrating the artistic journey of Padma Shri Thota Tharrani, spanning more than five decades, THOTA THARRANI – A Retrospective: 1969–Present was inaugurated today at Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai. Presented by Artworld – Sarala’s Art International, the exhibition brings together more than 280+ works from different phases of Tharrani’s practice, reflecting his explorations of nature, architecture, Indian traditions, mythology, music and everyday life.

Mrs. Kavitha Dutt, Joint Managing Director, The KCP Limited, graced the inauguration as Chief Guest. The occasion also marked the launch of a special book on Thota Tharrani, authored by Dr. Ashraf S. Bhagat, offering a personal account of the artist’s life and creative journey.

Working across watercolours, oils, acrylics, pastels and collage, Thota Tharrani has built a body of work that reflects his curiosity about the world and his continued experimentation with different mediums. His practice extends to drawing, printmaking and murals, with each form offering a distinct way to interpret his subjects. The retrospective traces this evolution from 1969 to the present, bringing these varied expressions together.

An integral part of Thota  Tharrani’s artistic process is his commitment to exploring a subject in depth. He often develops 50 to 100 paintings around a single theme before moving on to another, allowing each series to find its own rhythm and direction. This approach reflects an artistic process driven by sustained observation, where a subject is revisited and reinterpreted rather than exhausted in a single work.

Speaking about the retrospective, Padma Shri Thota Tharrani said, “Putting this retrospective together has taken nearly a year, bringing together works from different phases of my life, including paintings from when I was 16. My early watercolours from 1969 drew inspiration from my father’s technique and the Bengal School of painting, with some requiring seven washes to achieve the desired colour. The Symphony series reflects my longstanding relationship with music, translating its rhythms into colour and form. I often spend 50 to 100 paintings exploring a subject, and even after five decades, I still have the urge to experiment and discover new ways of seeing and creating.”

While Thota Tharrani is widely known for his contribution to Indian cinema as an art director, his fine-art practice offers another perspective on his engagement with visual storytelling. His explorations of colour, composition, texture and space reflect a creative sensibility informed by cultural traditions and everyday observations. The retrospective places this body of work at the forefront, inviting audiences to engage with the artist beyond his cinematic achievements.

The accompanying book by Dr. Ashraf S. Bhagat complements the exhibition by offering a personal perspective on the experiences and influences that have shaped Tharrani’s journey. Open to the public until October 30, 2026, at Lalit Kala Akademi, THOTA THARRANI – A Retrospective: 1969–Present invites art enthusiasts, collectors, artists and the wider public to experience five decades of Thota Tharrani’s artistic journey, with works that offer a rare glimpse into his creative evolution, influences and enduring spirit of exploration.