Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath Presents Timeless Treasures
An exhibition of works by senior artists of Karnataka, who shaped the province’s visual identity in the 20th century, is being held from 23-30 October’24 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru. This exhibition, ‘Timeless Treasures,’ presented by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath marks Volume-1 of a series as a tribute to the veteran artists, showcasing their remarkable artworks spread across four galleries.
Concept Behind The Show
When one views paintings from different genres by old artists, it opens a window into diverse perspectives and artistic expressions. As Picasso says, “The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.” Whether it’s the grandeur of historical scenes, the delicate beauty of landscapes, or the intricacy and exactitude of portraits, each genre offers a unique glimpse into the artists’ world. There is an unobtrusive elegance in picturesque beauty, and playfulness in abstractions while mythological works evoke deeper spiritual sentiment. The contrasts in style, techniques and subject matter highlight the versatility and imagination of these artists, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience across time and culture.
It’s like stepping into a different era, witnessing the world through the artists’ eyes. The brushstrokes, colours, and compositions convey not just beauty but also the thoughts, emotions, and cultural context of the time. These works created in mediums like oil, water colours, pastels, gouache, pen or pencil, traditional techniques, and miniature or mural effect, often reveal a deep understanding of not only the subject but also the material, their training, dedication, history, and spirituality, allowing one to connect with the past in a profound, timeless way. Each painting summonses the viewer to explore through the layers of effects in wash, impasto, shadings and drawings. These practices and command over the techniques and tools have transcended through the decades and centuries.
Artists At Timeless Treasures
Among the sixty artists in the exhibition “Timeless Treasures” one can see a leisurely painted woman by BK Hubli reading a letter that exudes calm and grace, captured in soft brushstrokes that suggest serenity and ease. Another one is sleeping in a relaxed pose and one is playing sitar, lost in a moment of quiet reflection. The colours around them are gentle, blending harmoniously to create a tranquil atmosphere, inviting the onlooker to share in her peaceful reverie. Indian mythological subjects come to life amidst celestial landscapes, mythical creatures, and spiritual iconography in the paintings of BKS Varma. Bold brushstrokes, geometric patterns, and fluid shapes- a world of forms, colours, and textures can be seen in the abstract painting by GS Shenoy.
Small drawings, ink portraits and pastel works by JMS Mani are an echo of the pastoral origins, smeared, daubed and splattered with a rustic touch have carved a cultural niche with his wide coverage of the ‘Badami’ series. Rhythmic paintings evoking feelings through contrast, movement, and balance by KK Hebbar filled one gallery wall. The paintings by Rumale Channabasavaiah often feature luminous skies, sunlit meadows, and blooming flowers an explosion of colour and vitality, capturing the essence of nature in its most vibrant and joyful state. Somshekar Sali’s work delves into Indian mythology, portraying gods, goddesses, and mythological stories, emphasizing divinity and cultural symbolism.
Elegant simplicity and earthy tones are reflected in the portrait of Gandhi by MS Nanjundrao. SM Pandit is known for his paintings on Indian mythology, featuring deities, spiritual figures, and narratives that convey profound philosophical messages, painted in vibrant colours. Here, it was a portrait of his teacher who stole the show. The other artists whose works enrich the state’s cultural tapestry by integrating artistic styles are MA Chetti, MN Murthy, MS Chandrashekhar, SN Swamy, SS Kukke, Subhashini Devi, TP Akki, VK Patil, VR Rao, Yusuf Arakkal, Y Nagaraju among many more.
This phenomenal show can be termed as ‘Whispers of the Past’. It is a celebration of the enduring power of art to connect, inspire, and transcend the boundaries of time, which invites one to embark on a captivating journey through time, where the threads of creativity intertwine to form a vibrant tapestry of expression, showcasing the evolution of artistic styles, techniques, and materials, revealing how each era’s unique voice contributes to the rich narrative of art history.
Guests in Attendance
The show was inaugurated by the Guests of Honour Nadoja Dr JS Khanderao, eminent senior artist and former Chairman Karnataka Lalithkala Academy; Dr MS Murthy, artist and former Chairman Karnataka Lalithkala Academy; and KV Subramanya, Senior Art Historian and art critic; in the presence of Dr BL Shankar, President and SN Shashidhar, General Secretary, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
Image Courtesy – Dr Alka Chadha Harpalani
Alka is an artist and art writer with a diverse career spanning teaching, e-learning projects with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), and editorial work. An alum of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh (BFA) and Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (MFA, PhD), she has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards and honours.
