SRISHTI ART GALLERY: 25 YEARS OF CREATIVITY

For a quarter-century, Srishti Art Gallery has been Hyderabad’s vibrant hub for artistic expression, nurturing talent and redefining the city’s cultural landscape. 

Two decades ago, while learning to paint, Remani Nambiar noticed the scarcity of opportunities for artists in Hyderabad. With few galleries available, most artists struggled to sell their work, often resorting to teaching instead of focusing on their craft. Determined to change this, she founded Srishti Art Gallery in 2000. 

“My mother truly understood the art world—she connected with people, created a nurturing space for emerging artists, and became a cornerstone of Hyderabad’s art scene,” recalls Lakshmi Nambiar, reflecting on her mother’s vision. 

Lakshmi Nambiar

Originally situated on Road No. 65, Jubilee Hills, the gallery moved to its current location in 2002, remaining a sanctuary for artistic discourse. After her mother’s passing in 2014, Lakshmi took the reins, ensuring Srishti’s evolution while keeping it deeply intertwined with the city’s creative pulse. 

Leaving a thriving career in investment banking was no easy choice, but for Lakshmi, “the pull of legacy outweighed the opportunity cost.” What began as a career shift soon became a calling. 

“Hyderabad’s art scene was different back then—I had to redefine the gallery’s identity, curate thoughtfully, and build a strong roster of artists to keep Srishti a space where art could provoke and engage,” she explains. 

Under her leadership, Srishti became synonymous with contemporary Indian art and cross-cultural innovation. From the groundbreaking ‘Inbox’ exhibition (2015) at Hill Fort Palace to publishing a book on Jagdish Mittal and showcasing masterpieces at the Salar Jung Museum, Lakshmi consistently pushed boundaries. 

With over 200 exhibitions and participation in premier fairs like India Art Fair and Art Mumbai, Srishti has gained national recognition. Its latest show, ‘Topographies of Tents, Terracotta, and Time’, curated by Matthew Partridge, explores migration and identity through works by Arnaldo Drés González, Sudhakar Chippa, and Swen Kählert. 

Beyond the challenges posed by the pandemic, Lakshmi admits, “Aligning my artistic vision with the city’s pulse took time. Balancing commerce with passion isn’t always easy.” 

Galleries like Srishti do more than exhibit art—they ignite thought, foster dialogue, and shape a city’s cultural identity. As it marks 25 years, Srishti remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that art is not just to be seen—but to be felt, questioned, and celebrated.