By Dr. Vajranabh Natraaj Maharshi

Vijayakumar Somanchi, one of Andhra’s foremost artists, especially, in landscape painting. He has been Secretary of an art organisation called’ Kalapatham’ Guntur,for over 27 years and vice-president to the society of Art by name’ Telugu world Artist’s Art society’ (TWAAS), Vijayawada for over a decade. Born in 1949 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, a self-taught artist, made a mark of his own through group and Solo Shows, over the length and breadth of the country and was recognised for his Surrealistic mountainscapes. worked in State Bank of India from 1971 to 2009 and parallelly contributing to the art world in his way, either by having his shows and as the Secretary of Kalapeetham in organising several workshops camps and Exhibitions.

Since 1981, he had been associated with Lalit Kala Akademi, both at State and Central levels,participating, in several of their Annual Exhibitions, Kalamelas and camps. He had been invited to participate in numerous Camps, as well as demonstrative lectures, from Art Institutions (NIFT, IIT, AISFM, SVCFA, Hyderabad) and universities (Jaipur university, university of Tibetan Languages, Sarnath ; Raja Mansingh Tomar university, Gwalior; Poornima University Jaipur.

Many awards came his way, A. P. Lalit Kala Akademi in 1981, Life-Time Achievement Award’ from A. P. State Govt. and from Kalavrit Nyas, Ujjain in 2024. Gold Medal by Hyderabad Art Society 2013, Gold Award from Fremont Art Association, California U. S. A; 2009. And many All India level art Exhibitions.

Vijay Kumar’s works are included in prestigious collections including National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, Madras & Hyderabad, ITC, Calcutta, Guntur; Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait, and so on.

For Some years, associated with art Institutions at Hyderabad in teaching Art and Art History, (NIFT, AISFM, SVCFA). At present, he undertakes activities, that enhance the status of Artists; foster & nurture young talent,to improve the art environment in the state through Art camps, demonstrations at Schools and colleges. Involved with Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Hindu College of Engineering and Technology, Guntur and giving updates about Lalit Kala Akademi and its activities,its importance to the art community in the state. Conducting Seminars and organising exhibitions at various centres in the state. Stressing upon Self-improvement. Involved with Rotary club, INTACH, Red Cross, Guntur in their charity shows and other Social activities. His aim is to bring awareness in the society through art and uplift the present status of the artists in the state, improve the outlook of the Society at large. Involved in organising’ Chitra Santha ‘at Vijayawada; moving the Government administration in establishing galleries in important art centres like Vijayawada, Guntur.

Its very important that Vijay Kumar , is given some important position in the art Circles of the state, that his views help government, bring back the glory that artists enjoyed during the time of A.P.Lalit Kala Akademi, (Hyderabad),some forty years ago.

His work has been part of Auctions along with big names like, Hussain, Raza, Ram Kumar and Soon.