HYDERABAD: It’s common to romanticise or fantasise flowers, but do you ever think about fantasising trees? If not, you might after visiting Kishore Kumar’s solo show, Enchanted Terrains. His paintings at Kadari Art Gallery captivate art aficionados not only with their aesthetics and landscapes but also with the sense of calmness brought to life through the artist’s unique style.
Over the years, Kishore Kumar, a Delhi-based artist, has showcased his work in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. “Initially, I used to give a few of my paintings to galleries here and there, but eventually, we decided to organise a solo exhibition. And here I am — this is my first solo show,” he explained.
With about 20–25 years of experience in the field, the artist’s style is deeply rooted in his connection with trees. “My style revolves around trees — sometimes accompanied by mountains and landscapes. My connection with trees goes way back.
They’ve always fascinated me, and over time, they became a recurring theme in my paintings,” the artist reflected. He believes there is a sensitivity and soul to trees, and his artistic journey has revolved around capturing that essence.
During his college years, Kishore experimented with various mediums, including figurative, abstract, semi-abstract, and non-abstract styles. He recalled, “But one day, I started painting trees, and it just felt right. It came to me naturally, like an instinct. Over the years, people started associating my work with trees, though my style has evolved continuously.”
While the subject has remained consistent, the depiction has changed, transitioning from semi-abstract forms to purer, creative landscapes. His current paintings often feature trees with mountains or village backdrops, blending simplicity with serenity.
“We have been working with Kishore for a few years through the gallery, and I have truly enjoyed seeing his work. Landscapes are not very popular these days, but for someone to create something so refined — an abstract interpretation of landscapes — is what I liked. As a gallery, we often showcase more abstract works, so this show is consciously different from any of our previous ones. However, I really appreciate the abstract quality Kishore brings to his landscapes. When we work with artists, we carefully select those whose genre, style, and subjects resonate with us. We believe in their vision, and Kishore’s work aligns beautifully with that philosophy,” said Supraja Rao curator and founder of Kadari Art Gallery.
The theme of this exhibition revolves around landscapes and trees, with each piece curated specifically for the show. Kishore works primarily with acrylic on canvas, using a wash technique that involves layering thin washes of paint — sometimes up to 25 layers — to create depth and texture.
“The colour palette I use come from within, guided by memory and emotion,” said Kishore Kumar, adding, “One of my paintings, for instance, features a quiet village scene with a house, a temple, and a mountain, all surrounded by trees. Each detail reflects the simplicity and serenity of nature.”
This being his first show in Hyderabad, Kishore expressed, “I feel great about it. The gallery is amazing, and being here feels very familiar. There’s a sense of oneness in India, and the culture here resonates deeply. It’s been a pleasure to bring my work to Hyderabad — it feels like home.”