Fri Oct 24 07:39:39 UTC 2025: Summary:
The article is a review of artist Anupama’s solo exhibition, “A Room for Refuge,” at the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad. The exhibition features mixed media works and assemblages that explore themes of womanhood, identity, transformation, vulnerability, and hope. Anupama’s art incorporates self-portraits wearing masks, layered landscapes representing the complexities of the mind, and references to her personal experiences, including the influence of her late husband, artist Anil Xavier (to whom she pays tribute by using the alias “Anil” in her name). Her work draws inspiration from African masks, the Theyyam ritual art form of Kerala, and Latin American cultural beliefs related to masks. A recurring motif is the mask, which symbolizes transformation, power, and the blurring of boundaries. The exhibition includes a portrait of Anupama and her late husband and assemblages created from a trunk box that holds memories and emotions. The exhibition is open until November 5th.
News Article:
Hyderabad Artist Anupama Unveils “A Room for Refuge” Exhibition Exploring Womanhood, Memory, and Transformation
Hyderabad, India – October 24, 2025 – Acclaimed artist Anupama, known professionally as Anupama alias Anil in honor of her late husband and fellow artist Anil Xavier, has launched her solo exhibition, “A Room for Refuge,” at the Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad. The exhibition offers a compelling collection of mixed media works and assemblages reflecting on the complexities of womanhood, identity, and personal transformation.
Anupama’s introspective pieces feature self-portraits, often masked, set against layered, abstract landscapes representing the multifaceted nature of the human mind. Her art delves into themes of vulnerability, resilience, and hope, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including African masks, the Kerala ritual art form of Theyyam, and Latin American cultural beliefs regarding masks.
“The mask, for me, is a powerful symbol of transformation, allowing the wearer to transcend boundaries and inequalities,” said Anupama.
A particularly poignant piece is a portrait of Anupama with her late husband, Anil Xavier, a significant figure in her artistic development and co-sculptor of the Rohit Vemula statue. The exhibition also features assemblages constructed from a trunk box representing shared memories and emotions.
“My husband Anil, who passed away last year, was a great inspiration,” Anupama shared. “He encouraged me to pursue my artistic direction.”
“A Room for Refuge” offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate their own journeys of self-discovery. The exhibition is open to the public at the Kalakriti Art Gallery until November 5th.
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