One of Hyderabad’s most cherished art spaces, Iconart Gallery, celebrates 15 years of fostering creativity and supporting emerging talent.
In 2010, as the world grappled with the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse and the global financial crisis, the art market faced significant setbacks. With galleries closing their doors both in India and abroad, the survival of the arts seemed uncertain. However, amid this turmoil, art critic and scholar Avani Rao Gandra took a bold step by founding Iconart Gallery, a space dedicated to nurturing Indian contemporary art.
“It was my passion project,” says Avani with a smile. “I didn’t want a commercial gallery but a sanctuary where art could flourish. Owning the premises kept overheads low, which made it possible.”
Iconart’s debut exhibition, Friends Forever, featured renowned names like Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, and DLN Reddy, artists Avani knew well from her doctoral research. Over time, the gallery found its true calling: offering a platform to emerging talent. Since its inception, more than 85 local artists have debuted their work at Iconart.
“I observed that most galleries favoured established names, leaving young artists without opportunities,” Avani explains. “As an art critic and research scholar, I was trained to recognise potential. Iconart became the springboard for many graduates from Hyderabad’s art schools.”
The gallery also aimed to make art more accessible. Iconart hosted annual affordable art exhibitions where budding artists met young collectors eager to invest in original pieces. Artist residencies further bolstered the careers of those starting out in the field.
One of Iconart’s defining features has been its engagement with social issues. Over the years, the gallery has tackled themes ranging from environmental conservation and urban challenges to women’s rights. A memorable initiative involved collaborating with the American Embassy to use Irani cafés as venues to discuss women’s safety through art. Another saw street art projects transform the lanes of Laad Bazaar during the India Photo Festival, drawing curious onlookers into the world of contemporary expression.
What are the challenges of running an art gallery in Hyderabad?
“The audience here often seeks art that complements their interiors or aligns with traditional aesthetics,” Avani notes.
“The challenge is to broaden their perspective on what defines beauty and encourage appreciation for contemporary expressions.”
Iconart’s current exhibition, Eternal and Ethereal Himalayas, exemplifies its community-driven ethos. Featuring works by 50 artists inspired by the photography of Sathyaprasad Yachendra, the show supports the medical treatment of a young boy, combining creativity with compassion.
As Iconart steps into its 16th year, the gallery remains a beacon for the arts in Hyderabad. With a strong network of patrons and an ever-expanding community of artists, Avani is optimistic about its future, “The journey continues, and so does the dream.”