Ramesh Gorjala (b. 1979) was born in the historically rich town of Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing amidst traditional Indian art forms, influenced by his familial ties to Kalamkari art, a craft he learned from his uncle. His formative years in an environment steeped in religious rituals and mythology have profoundly shaped his artistic vision, which is reflected in his work. Gorjala intricately weaves traditional Indian heritage with contemporary sensibilities, creating a bridge between the past and the present.

Ramesh Gorjala’s art stands as a profound testament to the Kalamkari tradition, distinguished by its delicate and intricate technique. Infused with a rich palette of gold, red, and green, his paintings breathe life into mythological subjects with a timeless vibrancy. His works predominantly showcase gods, goddesses, and mythical figures from the South Asian pantheon, including Hanuman, Vishnu, and Buddha. In Gorjala’s art, the expansive bodies of these Hindu deities fill up the canvas, while their skin becomes the stage for ancient tales acted out by intricately painted figures—each painting literally contains stories within stories. The traditional Kalamkari technique, with its fine pen work and block-printed colors, is evident in his use of red, orange, brown, blue, and gold. His innovative approach involves depicting a central protagonist, often associated with their vehicles, who, with full vigor, absorbs the space. The subordinate figures, placed accordingly, narrate the story of the particular episode. This method is enhanced by his use of fine lines, intricate brushwork, and fragments of text, adding depth and dimension to his compositions. The checkerboard pattern of black, white, and grey in the background further modernizes his pieces, creating a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.

Gorjala honed his skills at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in painting. Throughout his career, Ramesh Gorjala has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to the art world. He was awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Memorial Award from the Victoria Technical Institute in Chennai (2000) and the State Award from the A.P. Crafts Council (2002). His solo exhibitions, such as 'Mythological Metaphor' at Chawla Art Gallery, New Delhi (2010), and ‘Embracing Modernity’ at Mon Art Gallerie, Kolkata (2007), have been met with acclaim. He has also participated in numerous group shows in prominent cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Bangalore, and London. Gorjala’s work is held in high esteem, with pieces in public collections including large-scale installations at Hyderabad International Airport, and various prestigious private collections worldwide.