Reuniting with old mentors, those once achingly close but now distant with the tides of time, is a rare and poignant occurrence. When such reunions happen, sometimes laughter and stories echo in the air, while other times, silent company and memories speak for themselves.

Not long ago, I found myself returning to Kalagramam in Visakhapatnam, a place untouched by my presence for six years. Draped in a breezy cotton scarf, with spectacles slightly askew in quiet rebellion, I navigated sun-warmed streets on my scooty, carrying memories on my shoulders. Stepping into Kalagramam sent a shiver through me; not from cold, but from memory's embrace, like returning to a long-forgotten familiarity.

As the junior among my seniors, I was granted a rare chance to revisit old bonds, rekindle connections, and deepen them through shared time. This time, I was not a participant but an observer—documenting, through words, how and why all had been drawn back to this space after years apart. While the artists regularly stayed in touch through group shows or calls, this workshop was something else entirely. It was an occasion where physical presence replaced digital exchanges, and fleeting conversations gave way to real, collective experience.

Thus, was born కళయిక (Kalayika), a name woven from కళ (art) and ఇక్యం (togetherness). Thirteen artists, each with a tapestry of life experiences, gathered here in a rhythm of shared creative energy. Amid wild gardens and dappled sunlight, Kalagramam ceased to be merely a location; it became a home both in physical form and in spirit.

The workshop, inaugurated on 27 September 2025 by eminent artist and retired professor V. Ramesh, alongside esteemed faculty from Andhra University, brought together Addepalli Tirupati Rao, Kasturi Appalnaidu, Chaganti Durga Prasad, Deepika Gautam, Kanaka Durgeswara Rao, Kotturu Lakshman Rao, Kunatharaju Mrudula, Narasinga Rao Vanapalli, Ramakrishna Manyala, Sabbavarapu Venkateswara Rao, Sanivada Lakshman Kumar, Swarnalatha Mahapatra, and Wangdi Sherpa. These artists, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Darjeeling, draw from backgrounds in teaching, practicing, and freelancing in art.

The idea behind Kalayika was to gather artists in a single space, allowing them to connect, converse, and exchange ideas while also having dedicated time and freedom to create during the five-day workshop. In today’s fast-paced world, artists often become scattered—some losing touch with studio practice, others yearning for cultural exchange or a sense of belonging. Kalagramam became that rare haven.

Each artist’s practice reflected distinct journeys—ranging from satire on societal boundaries to explorations of fragility, resilience, heritage architecture, and traditional craft inspirations. From K. Lakshmana Rao’s layered metaphors of elephants and monkeys, to S. Lakshman’s meditations on impermanence, and Ch. Durga Prasad’s Indo-Western blend of heritage motifs, the diversity was profound. Kunatharaju Mrudula’s works interrogated societal norms, while Kanaka Durgeswara Rao and Deepika Gautam brought in the echoes of Vizianagaram’s royal architecture and Islamic artistry.

The sculptors enriched the gathering with layered narratives: Tirupati Rao’s semi-hidden human forms, Narasinga Rao’s woven drapery-inspired reliefs, Ramakrishna’s lyrical high-reliefs, and Venkateswara Rao’s Kondapalli toy-inspired figurines. Swarnalatha Mahapatra infused Odisha’s Patachitra vibrancy, while Wangdi Sherpa blurred sculpture and performance through kinetic, interactive works.

As Kalayika unfolded within Kalagramam, it became more than just a workshop. Artists shared laughter, ideas, and techniques while engaging deeply with one another. Presentations, discussions, and even shared meals fostered a sense of community. Students, faculty, and local visitors found themselves woven into this tapestry of exchange.

Ultimately, Kalayika reaffirmed how art can unite, inspire, and create lasting memories. It reminds us that in a world moving rapidly and often scatteringly, the act of coming together—through art, memory, and presence—reshapes our creative journeys and our lives.

by Peddinti Sri Kavya