Unique art expo for novel demand

Mangalore, June 26: Hunger strikes and protests are a common way today for people to demand their needs but the artists in Mangalore put forth their need to have an art gallery with an unique expo 'Sanchalana'. More than 33 artists came under one roof to partake in the art expo organised by Karavali Chitrakalavidara Chavadi at Prasad Art Gallery on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chavadi President Ganesh Somayaji said that every district in the State has an art gallery sponsored by the government. Every district has been allotted Rs 1 crore for the purpose, however, Mangalore is lacking one and people not demanding it is a main cause, he said and added that the main intention of the expo is to stress on the cause.

He also expressed his pleasure on a Rangamandira being constructed in Kavoor and appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to have an art gallery of 4,000 sq feet next to it.

Inaugurating the expo, Deputy Commissioner Dr Channapa Gowda assured that he shall hold discussions on the matter and extend help from district-level towards the cause.

“Each artist creatively depicts his vision in his art work and it is extremely difficult to do so. One can unveil hidden talents only if a person is given an opportunity and stage to express,” he said. He also expressed his concern on people forgetting their culture with advanced technologies and media. “Only if culture grows, it shall help the nation grow,” he said.

Presiding over the expo, Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura said an artist should have a positive approach towards art. Pointing out at M F Hussain's art work, he said it would have been better, if the great artist would not have painted pictures that hurt people's sentiments. Art should touch people and an artist should come out from sadist nature, he said. As many as 33 artists put a colourful show of 40 paintings at the expo. Speaking to Deccan Herald, artist Veena Srinivas said that a mixed expo organised by Chavadi will help artists interact, learn from one another and hence contribute to growth. “People will also have an opportunity to see variety of artworks and perspectives under one roof,” she added.

Artist Sapna Noronha said that with an art gallery, people can easily approach artists and hence be motivated towards art.

Each of the 40 paintings were innovative in their own unique way. Artist Asha showed the struggle of sparrows to find food and another artist Rajendra Kedige portrayed pollution and destruction with a hole in the canvas and also showed there is hope for survival with a white string extending to the skies.

People seeking media publicity and the greed to acquire money was intelligently portrayed by artist Kundan G by depicting two crows having newsprint all over them, being showered with money. Artist Rekha opened doors to old memories and artifacts in her painting.

The art expo will be open for the public till June 29.