A versatile artist, Pakala Thirumal Reddy’s oeuvre is populated with watercolours, oils, sculptures, and etchings. Born in 1915 to a family of farmers in the Annaram village in Telangana, Reddy displayed an early interest in art and went on to join the Sir J J School of Art in 1939, despite his family’s opposition to his chosen profession. In 1941 he formed the Contemporary Painters of Bombay Group with artists M T Bhopale, A A Majeed, M Y... A versatile artist, Pakala Thirumal Reddy’s oeuvre is populated with watercolours, oils, sculptures, and etchings. Born in 1915 to a family of farmers in the Annaram village in Telangana, Reddy displayed an early interest in art and went on to join the Sir J J School of Art in 1939, despite his family’s opposition to his chosen profession. In 1941 he formed the Contemporary Painters of Bombay Group with artists M T Bhopale, A A Majeed, M Y Kulkarni and C Baptista.
Reddy was also trained in mural design, drawing inspiration from Rajput and Pahari miniature paintings. In the 1940s, Reddy’s style reflected his struggles with his Indian identity around the time of Independence. Post 1947, Reddy delved into India’s artistic traditions to develop a new style of his own. He articulated his vision with complex compositions of realistic and expressionist portraits and impressionistic landscapes. Reddy’s works can be viewed as a dialogue between contemporary life and politics. Through his use of Buddhist, Hindu, and Tantric symbols, Reddy’s works became more abstract, containing a universal appeal. His skillfully drawn lines reflect diverse themes enhanced by his choice of colour and medium.
A prolific artist, Reddy received many awards including the Dolly Cursetjee award and awards from the Academy of Fine Arts, Calcutta and Andhra Pradesh Lalit Kala Akademi. In 1941 Reddy was made a fellow of the Sir J J School of Art. Reddy also founded the Sudharma Art Gallery in Hyderabad which is now run by his daughter.
Reddy passed away in 1996.

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