An unmissable celebration of Indian temple art, architecture, and culture, Living Temple is an art festival curated by Annapurna Madipadiga, blending heritage with immersive artistic experiences.
- 30+ renowned artists
- 100+ exquisite artworks on display
- Engaging panel discussions
- Captivating performances
- T-Works, Hyderabad
- February 28 – March 3, 2025
Curated by Annapurna Madipadiga and supported by Telangana Tourism, this unique art festival is more than just an exhibition—it is a tribute to India’s artistic heritage, featuring both contemporary and traditional artists who keep this legacy alive.
On the advisory board are renowned names such as photographer Amar Ramesh, filmmaker Akul Tripathi, artist Drdha Vrata, water conservationist Kalpana Ramesh, and architect Nand Kumar.
With over 2,000 visitors expected each day, Living Temple is set to become an annual cultural landmark, merging art, heritage, and immersive storytelling.
Annapurna Madipadiga
In Conversation with Annapurna Madipadiga Curator, Art Entrepreneur & Founder, EkChitra
From an art student to an independent curator, Annapurna Madipadiga has come a long way in the world of curation, working with top galleries and artists across India. Living Temple is her most ambitious project yet—a culmination of two years of research and a lifetime of experiences. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights into her journey, inspiration, and the vision behind Living Temple.
Q: Art has been an integral part of your life. What sparked your journey into curation?
Annapurna Madipadiga: I was always surrounded by art. My father, Rohini Kumar, was the first artist in our family. Though he pursued commercial art, our home was filled with paintings and discussions about art, composition, and technique. Our travels introduced me to senior artists, landscapes, and temples, which left a lasting impression on me.
Despite this, I almost pursued a commerce degree before realizing my true calling. With my father’s encouragement, I studied painting at Potti Sriramulu Telugu University and completed my master’s at JNAFAU. But rather than becoming a full-time artist, I was drawn toward curation—a field that allowed me to bring artistic stories to life.
Q: How did your first independent curation project come about?
After working at a gallery and learning the nuances of curation, I got my first independent opportunity with Divine, an exhibition exploring spirituality through art. It was more than a show—it was an immersive experience that brought together different interpretations of divinity. The success of Divine led to my next major project with Gallery Veda in Chennai, which reaffirmed my belief that curation was my true artistic expression.
Q: Your project ‘Chitram’ was a game-changer. Can you tell us more about it?
Chitram was a large-scale exhibition that explored the intersection of art and Indian cinema. Unlike traditional gallery shows, it featured 80 artworks inspired by the aesthetics, narratives, and legends of Indian films. The show was a massive success, traveling to Delhi and further establishing my approach to curation—thinking beyond conventional boundaries.
Q: Living Temple is a unique concept. What inspired it?
The idea had been brewing for years. My childhood visits to Ajanta and Ellora, and later experiences at various temples, made me realize how temple art was often overlooked—either seen as religious symbols or tourist spots, rather than as intricate masterpieces of artistry and cultural storytelling.
While working on different projects, I kept returning to temple art. I wanted to create a dedicated space where this legacy could be appreciated, not just through paintings but through an ecosystem of discussions, performances, and immersive experiences. That’s how Living Temple was born.
Q: How did you select the artists for Living Temple?
It was a mix of established and emerging artists, all deeply connected to the theme. Some, like Amar Ramesh, are known for documenting the hidden sculptures of Tamil Nadu temples. Thotatarni Garu, who recreates temple structures for films, was another natural fit. Others, like Charanjeet, explored the architectural beauty of stepwells, and Chetan Mevada created intricate paper-based drawings inspired by temple architecture.
The diversity in artistic mediums and interpretations makes Living Temple a multi-sensory experience rather than just an exhibition.
Q: Living Temple is more than an art exhibition—it’s a festival. What elements make it immersive?
We designed Living Temple as a mini cultural festival with:
– 100+ Artworks celebrating temple art and architecture
– Panel discussions with experts on art, heritage, and temple conservation
– Live performances that bring ancient traditions to life
– Interactive sessions where visitors can engage with artists and understand their process
Our goal is to make art, culture, and history accessible to everyone—not just art lovers but travelers, heritage enthusiasts, and those curious about India’s artistic traditions.
Q: What’s next for Living Temple? Will it become an annual event?
Absolutely! Living Temple will be an annual festival in Hyderabad and will also travel to Chennai next year. The idea is to build a community around temple art, bringing artists, historians, and art lovers together.
Beyond the exhibition, I see Living Temple evolving into a movement—a platform that redefines how we engage with traditional art forms, making them relevant for today’s world.
Q: As a woman curator and entrepreneur, how do you navigate challenges?
I believe that staying true to your vision is key. Gender biases exist, but when your work speaks for itself, those barriers start fading. When Chitram and Living Temple gained recognition, people saw the work first, not the gender behind it.
As a mother to a 9-year-old, balancing work and life is a challenge, but I’ve learned to navigate it as it comes. Passion keeps me going. When you’re deeply involved in something meaningful, it fuels your creativity and resilience.
Q: Finally, what keeps you excited about curation?
For me, curation is storytelling. Whether it’s Chitram, where art meets cinema, or Living Temple, where history meets contemporary expression, the joy lies in bringing ideas to life in a way that immerses, educates, and inspires.
The freedom to think big and execute grand narratives is what drives me. And as long as there are stories to tell, I will continue curating them.
