A newly launched multidisciplinary art space in Madhapur, EkChitra rethinks the gallery format with flexible exhibition areas, a permanent printmaking studio and an adjoining hub for cross-disciplinary exchange.
EkChitra in Madhapur splits into two zones: a flexible exhibition area with a permanent printmaking studio, and Converge, an interactive hub for interdisciplinary exchange.
Founder Annapurna Madipadiga emphasizes slower visits — the space is designed to encourage time spent with artworks rather than quick drop-in viewing.
EkChitra extends beyond exhibitions through projects documenting regional Telugu art history and public initiatives, including Living Temple – Edition 2, Keerthanam, and Baoli Art Sangam.
# What EkChitra is EkChitra is a newly opened art space in Madhapur, Hitech City, Hyderabad. The founder, Annapurna Madipadiga, describes the venue as more than a traditional gallery: it's designed to host multidisciplinary projects, immersive exhibitions, performances and community gatherings. The space aims to combine spatial elegance with warmth so visitors spend more time engaging with art.
# How the space is laid out The gallery is intentionally divided into two distinct halves. To the left is the main exhibition area: a flexible, airy room suited to painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and interdisciplinary performances. Within this area EkChitra houses a permanent printmaking studio intended to support programmes around printmaking, experimentation and artist exchange.
To the right is Converge by EkChitra, an interactive hub conceived as a melting pot for interdisciplinary exchange. Converge is meant to bring together practitioners across mediums — filmmakers, poets, writers and artists — to sit and exchange creative thought processes in an informal setting.
# The curatorial approach Annapurna has curated more than 25 major exhibitions across Hyderabad, Chennai and New Delhi. Her approach links traditional Indian artistic idioms with contemporary concerns, and she focuses on shows that have a clear conceptual foundation while remaining emotionally accessible. The permanent printmaking studio is a deliberate move to strengthen engagement with printmaking as a medium, creating space for learning and experimentation rather than episodic workshop events.
# Programming beyond the gallery walls EkChitra is planning projects that extend into Hyderabad's wider cultural and heritage landscape. The plans mentioned include documentation of regional Telugu art history and public initiatives such as Living Temple – Edition 2, Keerthanam, and Baoli Art Sangam, a stepwell art biennale spanning 12 historic sites in partnership with conservationist Kalpana Ramesh. These projects indicate the gallery's interest in site-specific public work and heritage engagement as part of its overall programme.
# A different idea of viewing art A central motivation behind EkChitra is changing how people spend time with art. Annapurna notes that gallery visits often become quick check-ins rather than slow encounters. The site's location—where urban energy meets views of water and trees—creates a physical transition intended to encourage visitors to slow down and reflect. The gallery's design and programming are intended to create conditions for longer, more thoughtful engagement with artworks.
# What this means for Hyderabad
With a new 7,000 sq ft space, young artists, a permanent printmaking studio and projects such as Keerthanam and Baoli Art Sangam, Annapurna Madipadiga is looking at art as something that belongs as much in conversations and heritage spaces as it does inside a gallery.
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