Siri Art Gallery Drawing & Painting Trust (Jubilee Hills)

Though Siri Art School claims to include about 9 different painting courses for its students, paintings by the students are not so much in sight. Almost every single one of the paintings on exhibit in the school premises is done by one of the two teachers - not a good indication for an art school. The consequent question is, where are the results?

There is one thing in its favor, though; the paintings that are on display are breathtaking. So at any rate, if you join Siri, you may unearth your muse. But what good is a muse where you can't even attend on its beckoning? For, the premises are not even half as charming as the paintings. The room is stretched, gloomy and unventilated. With its overpowering smell of paints, it is a constant reminder of the unpleasantness you are drowning in; in essence, a room to completely stifle the artistic spirit.

This entire set-up was arranged by Swami, the founder of Siri and also one of the teachers here. He is assisted by Mrs. Shivakumar. While Swami's paintings are the ones that the room is embellished with, there is no demonstration whatsoever of Mrs. Shivakumar's painting abilities.

The only part that is eye-catching, other than those paintings, is the prospect of a certificate recognized by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh that is bestowed upon you for any of the courses that you complete here.

To sum it up, this course may turn out to be just like one of your parent's long lectures:

- you have no clue where it is going,
- there is no encouragement whatsoever from the preacher's own life, and
- you are enduring it with the hope that it has to end sometime.

[Siri also has a branch at Road No. 36, Opp. Trinethra Supermarket, Jubilee Hills - Tel: 5513-5551.]