Laxman Aelay is a renowned contemporary Indian artist whose work is deeply rooted in the rural landscapes, people and cultural traditions of Telangana. Born in Kadirenigudem in the Nalgonda district, Aelay draws extensively from the memories and lived experiences of the village where he grew up, transforming everyday life into evocative visual narratives.

Aelay began his artistic journey as a signboard painter and later worked as a designer and illustrator within Telugu literary circles. He went on to pursue formal training in painting at the College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad. His distinctive artistic language combines expressive figures, rich textures and carefully observed details, often portraying rural communities, traditional clothing, jewellery and the everyday lives of women and families.

His celebrated Song of the Village and related bodies of work reflect his enduring engagement with Telangana’s rural culture and social landscape. Over the years, his practice has evolved from monochromatic compositions to vibrant works filled with colour, while retaining his characteristic sense of nostalgia and human connection. His works have been exhibited extensively in India and internationally, including solo exhibitions in Hyderabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Singapore.

Title- Poolamma
Medium – Acrylic on canvas
Size- 20″ x 20″