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Art as a Testament to Human Resilience
In a world still healing from the pandemic’s scars, art has become a voice for collective grief and hope. Hyderabad’s Masks and Memories, a solo exhibition by celebrated artist Priya Malhotra at Kalakriti Art Gallery, blends mixed-media installations, paintings, and sculptures to narrate stories of loss, survival, and unyielding strength.
Masks: Symbols of Separation and Connection
The exhibition’s centerpiece, Breathless, features suspended fabric masks embroidered with fragments of real letters—diary entries, texts, and farewell notes from COVID-19 patients. Bathed in an ethereal glow, the installation transforms medical gear into poignant memorials.
“These masks aren’t just protection; they’re the last threads between loved ones,” says Malhotra. “I wanted to move beyond statistics and honor the human stories.”
From Trauma to Triumph
While Masks and Memories confronts despair, it also highlights resilience. Key pieces include:
– Phoenix: An oil painting of a woman rising from medical waste, symbolizing rebirth.
– The Guardians: Sculptures crafted from repurposed PPE kits, tribute to frontline workers.
The duality of destruction and renewal mirrors Hyderabad’s own journey through the pandemic.
Why Hyderabad’s Art Scene Matters
Curator Arvind Rao notes, “Priya’s work bridges art and activism. It reflects the city’s suffering—and its solidarity.” Visitors like entrepreneur Ramesh Nair, who lost his father to COVID, find solace in the exhibit: “It felt like his story was heard.”
Art with a Purpose
A portion of sales supports mental health initiatives for pandemic survivors. The interactive Wall of Resilience invites visitors to share their own memories, creating a living archive of collective strength.
Don’t Miss This Emotional Journey
Masks and Memories runs till October 15 at Kalakriti Art Gallery, Banjara Hills. It’s more than an exhibit—it’s a call to remember, heal, and hope.
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