Art News: Building Bridges at Gallery Sumukha

‘Building Bridges’ at Gallery Sumukha is an international project conceived by Ushmita Sahu in collaboration with Emergent Art Space (San Francisco). The project was conceived to unfold over a period of one year from March 2017 to March 2018 in various stages with an open call for submissions from individual freelance artists of up to 30 years in age, working in video, photography, performance and sound art genres from across the world. 

The unique angle to the project is that it was conceived, curated and executed via the virtual platform. None of the artists, the curator or the sponsors had ever met physically. All communication has been conducted over the internet. After artist’s selection, in the month of October 2017, EAS & the curator conducted a closed community blog as an intrinsic part of the project, which was hosted by Emergent Art on their website.

The aim of the blog was to foster exchange and to facilitate a deeper understanding and knowledge of the other, to create a dialogical process aimed at encouraging and exchanging thoughts, ideas, images and texts about their works and their experiences, getting to know each other, exploring the others’ worlds, the ones similar as well as those more distant, for background, experience, country and culture. The underlying intent was to look beyond stereotypes and build lasting bridges between differences and distant points. The blog saw regular posts and interaction by the artists on various concerns and topics ranging from gender and body issues, to post colonial identity, transmigration and many more.

After the month long blogging process each artist created new works for a tri-city show in India (Kolkata in January, Delhi in February & Bangalore in March 2018). All the works created are of digital format – whether photography, video, book art, augmented reality & animation or sound works, each has been created keeping in mind that the sharing process is also virtual in nature. The curator has been in constant touch over the internet, guiding and mentoring the artists. All the finalized works were sent to her, whereupon she downloaded them and got them ready in their physical avatar for the live shows.

According to Sahu, “Taking inspiration from Newton’s adage - We build too many walls and not enough bridges, Project BUILDING BRIDGES has aimed to encourage 13 young artists from across the globe to come together and foster a voice of reason and dialogue that will help create a platform for empathy, and understanding through art, creativity and exchange.”


Project BUILDING BRIDGES continues at Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore till 28th March 2018.

*press release

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Art News: Heritage ‘per square feet’ at Venkatappa Art Gallery

 Measured per square feet from soil to sky!

Third in the Sambhrama series, Heritage ‘per square feet’, presents works by Mysore artists in an exhibition curated by Shoaib Chadkhan and Anil Chandran. The show offers paintings, performance, talk and panel discussion to probe, inquire and explore the subject in varied dimensions. The Karnataka artists' resistance to the adoption of Venkatappa Art Gallery (VAG) began in February 2016, and saw a series of artistic events and protests since then. 

As part of VAG Forum's ongoing artistic activities towards a creative reclamation of public space, organizing an art exhibition/event for 10 days once in 45 days, has been taken up by the VAG Forum, which comes under the name 'Sambhrama'.

Tribute: Remembering Yusuf Arakkal

Eminent artist Yusuf Arakkal breathed his last on Oct 4, 2016 in Bangalore. The following article was published in Times of India as my tribute to him.

Even though Yusuf Arakkal was suffering from ill health in the past few years, the news of his demise came as a shock. He had become increasingly frail and reticent in the last few months, a pale shadow of his flamboyant and extroverted self. Arakkal’s last exhibition, held earlier this year, was on portraits of several artists - a project that he had been working on for many years. That was also perhaps his last social appearance.

A significant name on the Indian and global art landscape, Arakkal had traversed miles in the course of his career. His haunting images with protagonists hovering haltingly in the depth of the shadows were dark and powerful. His tryst with harsh realities and chance encounters with the underprivileged and the oppressed created lifelong scars that continued to be translated on canvas. Yet, importantly, he painted not out of pity but in empathy, perhaps an effort to heal his own scars carried from years gone by. However, the sombre colours on his palette were in a sharp contrast to his own persona. Cheerful, stylish and a great conversationalist, Arakkal was vocal about his opinions and not afraid to go against the tide. He also wrote extensively for various newspapers and publications, raising concerns, sharing anecdotes and creating art awareness.

 

I remember him as a warm, generous person who was passionate about art and was one of those rare people who are committed to helping others - upcoming artists and writers, without any material expectations. He gave his heart and soul in every friendship and his one regret was that many a times he was let down by them.

The Christ series, which he had completed and hoped to show in Rome, could not materialise, nor has it been shown in Bangalore. His interpretation infused with elements from multiple sources - rituals and traditions of Kerala, his birthplace and his readings from mythology, epics and sacred texts from various religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism makes it special. Another book on murals and sculptures lies incomplete, with images collected but the text yet to be done.

His contribution to Indian art and the Bangalore art scene in particular is immeasurable. Rest in peace, for as Oscar Wilde said, “Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one’s head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forget life, to be at peace.”

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Art News: Art Scene India Recommends

Art Scene India Recommends: 

Here's a round up of art exhibitions and events for you to visit - most of these are in Bangalore. Do visit them and let me know your views. Which ones resonated with you? Drop me a line here. I look forward to hearing from you.

Bengaluru 

June 21, 2016, Today


June 26, 2016, Sunday

Galerie Sara Arakkal presents Yusuf Arakkal's "FACES OF CREATIVITY", an exhibition of 135 Indian artists portrait with a Book launch.

Gallery Sumukha marks its 20th year since 1996 and celebrates with the opening of 'An Inner Retrospective'

Solo by K. Laxma Goud, with curatorial inputs from Marta Jakimowicz

‘The Limited Edition’ is an exhibition which pays homage to the art of printmaking. The exhibition consists of prints produced during a two week long printmaking workshop organized within the gallery space. The workshop brought together important pedagogies of Indian printmaking. Artists from Santiniketan, Baroda, Kheragarh, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore were part of the atelier.

 

Chennai

Want to cover art events for Art Scene India? Get in touch now at nalini.indianart@gmail.com

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• How to organize an art exhibition 

Art Advice: Market Mantra, Education Times, Bangalore

Nalini S Malaviya, an art consultant, critic and founder of an art information website, on growing opportunities for artists and allied professionals in her field

By BS Manu Rao

The Indian art market is rapidly evolving and expanding in width and dimension despite economic downturns. The last couple of decades have been responsible in giving an impetus to art activities, and in causing a surge in terms of awareness and interest in art. In recent times, several art fairs, festivals and significant exhibitions held across India have ensured that not only local audiences are engaged, but international participation has also grown. In fact, India is fast becoming a prominent player in the region as interest in modern and contemporary art has grown significantly across the world, and the events built around it are of global standards. International art auction houses are also viewing India as a significant market, which is also indicated by a surge in sales in modern Indian art at recent auctions.

Industry Status
With the growth in the Indian art market, not just artists but also other allied professionals such as critics, curators, consultants, restorers among others have increased opportunities for employment. The job description of an art consultant can be quite exhaustive and involve advice on investing in art, building an art collection for individuals and corporate, offering advisory services such as appraisals and valuation. It also involves interactions with artists, mentoring upcoming artists, writing catalogue text, curating art exhibitions and also has opportunities for teaching, conducting seminars, writing for media and advising start-ups on art ventures. As an established art consultant, one can work with artists, galleries, corporates and also art colleges.

Educational Qualifications and Skill Sets
Art history/criticism/curation/arts management backgrounds facilitate a career in art consulting. People from multidisciplinary backgrounds who are creative and knowledgeable about art, possess exceptional analytical and writing skills along with the ability to conceptualize and curate exhibitions can also succeed, but it is important to understand that one must be conversant and informed about art history, artists, global trends, markets, galleries and related topics. Irrespective of the educational background, art consulting is a demanding field and one must be willing to learn with experience and self-study. It also helps to be passionate about art and have networking skills, along with excellent communication skills.

Growth Areas
The contemporary art scene is expected to grow further; the online space especially is evolving at a fast clip and is expected to see more players. As corporates and other businesses become more sensitive towards the arts, the expertise of an art consultant will be required to bring in art based programmes, for instance, training and workshops for employees, activities as part of corporate social responsibility and other areas where art knowledge and creativity is essential.

Remuneration
Starting salaries could be low, but there are plenty of opportunities to freelance. It can be anywhere from Rs 20,000 onwards depending on your capabilities and skill sets.

-As told to BS Manu Rao

An abbreviated version of the above article was published in Times of India, Bangalore on 25th April, 2016 

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ARTiculations - A workshop for artists, Bangalore

ARTiculations - Beyond the Image - A workshop for artists on Nov 22, 2015 at Talk Temple, Lavelle Road, Bangalore

By Nalini Malaviya
(Bangalore based art consultant, writer and blogger)

Enhance your verbal and written communication skills

Learn about:
● Art marketing
● Tools to promote and support your art practice
● How to write an artist statement

Who should join: Artists and photographers - recent graduates, upcoming and experienced creative professionals who wish to work on their marketing and communication skills to support their career.

Timings: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Fees: Rs 1,800/- (coffee and light snacks included)
For registration contact*
Phone: 080-41507000/ 98806 30024
Email: nalini.indianart@gmail.com

Venue:
Talk Temple
92, 3rd Cross, Lavelle Road
Bangalore – 560 001

*Limited seats.

Please report by 9:45 am and bring a few images of your recent works as you will draft an artist statement by the end of the workshop. Let me know if you have any questions (nalini.indianart@gmail.com).
Confirm by 18th Nov.

About
Nalini Malaviya is a Bangalore based art consultant, writer and blogger. She has been writing for the media since 2003, and has contributed to Times of India, Financial Times, Bangalore Mirror, Femina, Deccan Herald and several other publications including art magazines and catalogs. Nalini publishes www.artsceneindia.com, a blog/ Ezine featuring art news, events and articles. The website functions as an artist resource and promotes artists. She curates art exhibitions and also teaches arts management and marketing for artists, through workshops.

Talk Temple is a Transformational Leadership Training Organization that enables and empowers people to exploit their potential. It believes that Human Resources can be developed to create a Unique Success Mantra that will differentiate the company and create tangible Results for Leaders and their Teams.
Contact: mail@talktemple.com/ Kavitha at 98806 30024, Office 080 41507000

Art News: Film Screening on Krishen Khanna

NGMA Bengaluru, in collaboration with Ananya-Drishya, is happy to announce the screening of a film titled "A  Far Afternoon", a film on Krishen Khanna, directed by Sruti Harihara Subramanian, at its premises on Sunday, 15th November 2015 at 4.00 pm. 

Art News: ARTiculations - A workshop for artists, Bangalore

Coming Soon:

ARTiculations

Beyond the Image
A workshop for artists on Nov 22, 2015 at Talk Temple, Lavelle Road, Bangalore

 

Enhance your verbal and written communication skills

Learn about:
● Art marketing
● Tools to promote and support your art practice
● How to write an artist statement

Register early. Limited seats.

Mail me at nalini.indianart@gmail.com for more details.

Art News: Perfect Imperfections by Vivek Mathew

‘Perfect Imperfections’ – photographs that celebrate imperfect beauty

In his fourth solo exhibition, Vivek Mathew, with his keen eye for detail and intent appreciation towards design, brings together a series of 26 eye-capturing photographs based on patterns. With over four years of subconscious photography across several locations, Vivek has now devotedly captured man-made and naturally formed symmetry, focusing on the stark differences and similarities between them. Travelling around Bheemeshwari, Bangalore, Hong Kong, Colombo, Beijing, Nilgris, Delhi and Mumbai, he has observed patterns of both kinds, which makes this world so essentially perfect and beautiful.

Pictures from his travels have culminated into ‘Perfect Imperfections’ – a series that celebrates imperfect beauty, in the perfect flow of sight. There are patterns everywhere. There is a tendency of patterns around us, whether man made or natural. These patterns come together to form intricate designs, that are awe-inspiring and captivating. While mud pots foil the stack of tender coconuts, proportionate pipes come as no competition to the scarred barks of trees. But of course, there is more – leaves and its shadows in perfect balance, the ripples in water that spread in even tune and the evenness of tea plantations. Man on the other hand, has created much symmetry in a bunch of ropes stacked in line, similarly designed stair railings, windows and window shades, coming together in noticeable rhythm. Capturing moments of such outlined design, Vivek introduces the idea of symmetry in life that we all tend to be a part of.

‘Perfect Imperfections’ by photographer Vivek Mathew at the ‘Art of Delight’, Bangalore, from 1st-28th Feb, 2015.

*Excerpt from press release

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KG Subramanyan at NGMA, Bangalore

This was recently published in Times of India, Bangalore.

Art News: Transitions by Shraddha Rathi

A Solo Exhibition of paintings 'Transitions' by Shraddha Rathi from 

15th to 18th November 14 at The Taj West End, Bangalore

Trained as a Bharatnatyam dancer and educated as an architect, Shraddha Rathi explores an entirely new medium of expression through painting, coalescing key influences from both these creative fields. Through rhythmic forms, colours and textures Shraddha mesmerises with her thought provoking and inspiring paintings that combine Indian traditional values and modern experiences. 

"Every painting has a story to tell…. Painting to me is a language through which I express my thoughts. The three dimensions that I constantly build on, in my works are space, texture and expression. Time and my journey within, shape my thoughts which get reflected in my works. Developed over a period of time the current exhibition is a combination of three sets of works.

Shadows - My affinity to architecture resulted in the series of paintings called Shadows. I worked on themes that lend themselves to perspective and space. It is an attempt to capture the beautifully crafted and carved stonework in our historical past. I love the subject for its sheer contrast, the moment I add shadows the image starts coming alive to me. I have used visible brush strokes, unusual visual angles and light in its changing qualities in a monochromatic colour scheme.

A journey within - These set of works focus on my thoughts and ideas of Indian culture and teachings of Buddha. ‘What we think we become’, depicting Buddha in white, a colour that encompasses spirit of purity and evolution. The colourful images in this series, came forth as repetitive patterns, reflected themes from my subconscious mind, based on life and symbolic relationship between man and his thoughts. And how the ongoing process of thoughts designs our life.

Rhythm of colour - For an artist, the transition from narrative to abstract is a leap of faith…. Change is inevitable. From form to formless and monochrome to colourful. Yet another effort to convey myself, this time through basic design. I have used Line as an element in all its variations. Free flowing forms that overlap and merge into each other in many intricate sections. These works have an essence of movement in them. They refer to urbanscapes, rhythmic patterns, or may be, threads on a grid to be woven into fabric ……and allow the viewer to explore the works from a very personal perspective." Shraddha Rathi.

The exhibition is on view from 15th-18th November at The Taj West End, Bangalore

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Raja Ravi Varma’s Oleographs: Glimpses from the Past

Raja Ravi Varma's oleographs offer insights into a significant cultural phase of the late 19th century India

An exhibition of rare oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma opens tomorrow (Oct 16) in Bangalore. Titled Emotions; Relations; Reflections, these select oleographs from the Ravi Varma Press belong to the private collection of Sachin Kaluskar from Vadodara.

The exhibition has also been curated by Sachin who has adopted a thematic approach in categorising them. Sachin started collecting oleographs purely by chance when a print of ‘Saraswati’ turned out to bear a mark from the Ravi Varma press. His curiosity piqued, Sachin researched on Ravi Varma’s oleographs and was fascinated by what he read. He then went on to collect these prints from friends, royal families in Saurashtra and even temples. He has now been collecting oleographs for the last eight years and has amassed a large collection, parts of which he has exhibited in various places.

According to Sachin, Ravi Varma’s paintings depict multiple emotions such as devotion, love, pain, anguish, innocence and power, amongst others. This exhibition of oleographs too portrays gods and goddesses in a human form, and are depicted experiencing myriad emotions - in effect every oleograph has a unique story to narrate.

Ravi Varma (1848 –1906) born in Kilimanoor, present day Kerala was a prolific painter who depicted scenes from the epics and mythology, and also painted portraits of royal families. He was the first Indian artist to depict cultural themes through European painting techniques and was also one of the first artists to use oil as a medium of painting. His paintings of gods and goddesses and vignettes from mythological tales are well recognized and reproduced even today.

Ravi Varma’s oleographs also called chromolithographs were instrumental in taking art to the masses. Oleography (oleo means oil) in essence is a process of reproducing an oil painting on paper to match the exact colours and brushstrokes with the objective of making it look like an oil painting. The technique was pioneered in the 1830s by an Englishman George Boxter but came into wide commercial use only in the 1860s. Oleography was the most popular method of colour reproduction until the end of the 19th century, when more efficient techniques rendered it obsolete.

It is believed that Ravi Varma started the lithographic printing press on the advice of Dewan Madav Rao in Mumbai in 1894 and it was managed by his brother, Raja Varma. The printing press was procured from Germany and the technicians to operate the press were also from Europe. The oleographs were mostly of Hindu dieties and depict scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Puranas. The oleographs were very popular and continued to be printed even after Ravi Varma's death in 1906*.

136 oleographs will be presented in this exhibition and a few of them show the effects of ageing on them, which is no surprise given that they are almost 100 years old. Damyanti, Maneka and Vishvamitra, Nal Damyanti Vanvas and Radha Vilas are some of the prints which will be on display here.

The exhibition is on view at Phoenix Market City from October 16-22, 2014.

*Wikipedia 

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Review: ‘Torrents’ at Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore

Art Review:  ‘Torrents’ - Conflicts of power, self and society at Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore

Six young artists from Southern India, some of whom have recently passed out from art college and others who are still studying in their final year have brought together an exhibition of their recent works in Bangalore.

Although, it might be considered a tad early for them to think about exhibiting their works, I feel that it actually gives them a head start. Based on critical opinion and other feedback from visitors, these artists have an excellent opportunity to expand their oeuvre and fine tune their skills. How they choose to use these inputs is of course entirely up to them.

Gandhi as an image and an icon is revered universally, but at the same time the name is often racked by controversies and scandals by a certain segment of the population. Anthony Joseph explores and portrays these paradoxical elements. One of the works titled, ‘The Story of My Experiments with Gandhi’ is quite apt for most of his works on display. Collages made of currency notes folded in a manner similar to Origami question the relevance and interpretation of Gandhian values in today’s context.

Anju Acharya’s fantasy world imagines humans and mutants, symbolizing a mutating world perhaps the effects of environmental degradation. A glimpse into a future, which may well be taking shape. After all, we are playing God!

Vikas S draws inspiration from the simple beauty of patterns in nature and recreates the rhythm and form through shapes, symmetry and movements of primitive organisms such as snails and centipedes. Pleasant works!

P Ramesh has sometimes borrowed figures from Greek mythology to represent and emphasize contemporary urban issues. Male dominance, violence against women, literacy and again the burden of decay in environment are some of the issues highlighted here.

Ashil Antony's paintings appear to be spontaneous sketches of birds, placed stark and dark against a white background. Ebey Edassery paintings are based on human emotions - angst, greed and desire which are depicted through a few figurative works and others which on the surface appear to be constructed from repetitive patterns and motifs.

Overall, the exhibition is a good attempt to reach out to a larger audience and there are a few interesting works here. However, I feel the disjointed effect could have been completely avoided by careful selection of the works either through a self curatorial effort or with the help of an external advisor.

On view till August 31st at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore. 
Let me know if you visit the show. And, which works did you like?

If you enjoyed reading this article, please share it using the social media widgets at the top.

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Art Park Bengaluru: Meet the Artists on July 6, 2014

Art Park Bengaluru: Meet the Artists on July 6, 2014/11 am to 5 pm/ Ravindra Kalakshetra

Art Park is an 'initiative by contemporary Bengaluru artists that takes place in the Sculpture Park (between Town Hall & Ravindra Kalakshetra) on the first Sunday of every month - to bring art closer to the Bengaluru public & take it out of the confines of the gallery'.

 

"The day-long event enables artists and the public to engage in critical conversations that can help lay people to develop a deeper understanding of art and artists across time, location and culture. In the process members of the public will be able to develop an awareness and appreciation of visual art, which can lead to recognition of the power of creativity in constructing, defining and shaping knowledge. An important purpose of the Art Park Bengaluru initiative is to bridge the gap between visual art and the general public by providing a stimulating environment that provides the necessary exposure to contemporary visual art, fosters the creative spirit that exists in every individual, and challenges people to question themselves and find answers for themselves in contemporary art."

Artist SG Vasudev at Art Park, Bangalore

Artist Jasu Rawal at Art Park, Bangalore

I feel it's a wonderful initiative and a fabulous opportunity to meet artists in an informal setting, outside their studio space. You can watch them work and interact with them. You could even buy sketches and paintings at unbelievable prices! In fact, the artists will price their first five drawings (drawn on acid free paper and with the ArtPark Bengaluru seal behind it) at Rs 500/=(Rupees five hundred only) for each drawing, while the prices of paintings will vary.

Let me know if you visit ArtPark this Sunday  (July 6, 2014) and if you would like to write a note (approx 250 words) on your experience, go ahead and send it to me {nalini(dot)indianart@gmail(dot)com}. If it reads well I will publish it on my blog (don't forget to send 2-3 images as well)!

 All photographs of the Art Park courtesy Ravi Cavale

Review: ‘Crosstalk’ at Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore

Art Review: ‘Crosstalk’ at Gallery Sumukha, Bangalore, a group show by four artists Lokesh BH, Naveen Kumar A, Aishwaryan K and Mohan Kumar T

Yesterday, I visited ‘Crosstalk’ at Gallery Sumukha, which is a group show by four artists Lokesh BH, Naveen Kumar A, Aishwaryan K and Mohan Kumar T. For me, Lokesh was the unknown entity here as I had not seen his works earlier. The other three artists have shown their works in Bangalore, whereas Mohan Kumar was part of a show that I had conceptualized a while ago (it was later shelved). 

 

Crosstalk is intended to be “about the four artists’ personal attempts to grapple with contemporary living, and find their place in the larger scheme of things. Binding the body of works together are several common concepts, noticeable in the multiplicity of urban motifs, objects and attributes. However, each artist sees and underlines distinct elements in this constantly changing life-scape."

As an exploration of the self and survival, and the artist’s individual take on contemporary living, the works are diverse and present interesting perspectives. Mohan Kumar’s works are filled with satire and dry wit as they comment on social situations, which are commonly accepted and have become the norm, but can be comical and at times farcical. He is particularly adept at story telling through his drawings.
Aishwaryan transforms familiar materials and media into works which offer multiple possibilities of interpretation. These may represent objects of desire and aspiration, yet are fraught with artifice and may eventually be inconsequential. On a personal level, I could relate better to the two mixed media drawings.

 Lokesh’s works are autobiographical in nature and explore the consumerist culture and also human relationships, the former with a wry humour, while the latter is laced with sadness and confusion. About ‘Black Cycle’, he explains, “it represents my journey and life experiences during the period of my ‘Art education’. It was a phase fraught with confusion, in which the self underwent struggles that have been symbolized in this work.” Lokesh seems to present two distinct bodies of work here, perhaps from two different time periods. As a skilled and able artist embarking on his career, he could focus and elaborate on a single concept and allow it to grow organically – build layers into the narrative to make it more meaningful and coherent.

Naveen Kumar surprised me with his large work composed of miniature vignettes, a montage of mixed media drawings on pages of an art book. Compiling stories – tales from childhood, personal experiences and even popular expressions, the result is a delightful installation weaved out of ‘magical stories’ as the title suggests. The drawings have been rendered in minute detail and form a whimsical collection.

It's a good effort by this group of young artists and if you are in Bangalore, drop in at the show and let me know which of the works you liked.

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Art Buzz: V Ramesh at NGMA Bangalore

"Remembrances of Voices Past" opens at NGMA Bengaluru on Wednesday, 5th February 2014 at 5.00 pm. The exhibition will be on view till 25th March 2014.

Art Buzz: Talk by V Viswanadhan at NGMA, Bangalore

Art Scene India Recommends

If you are in town, do drop in at NGMA, Bengaluru for an illustrated talk by V. Viswanadhan on his 50 years of Paintings 1961-2011 at the NGMA Auditorium on 31st January 2014 at 6.00 pm.

Entry is free on first come first serve basis.

Calling All Artists!

Would You Like To Exhibit Your Work In Bengaluru?

Three months ago, the KalaRasa Art House made its debut, showcasing the work of 71 young, relatively unknown artists drawn from across Karnataka. Their work represented a passionate mix of styles, genres and media that explored different dimensions of the human condition and re-imagined the constituents of aesthetic appeal. 

The exhibition was met with an overwhelming amount of support and acclaim from both art aficionados and the general public, drawing some much needed exposure to several unrepresented artists possessing stellar abilities. 

The KalaRasa Art House is now tendering opportunities to artists from around the globe, both established and not-so-established, to exhibit their work at the KalaRasa gallery in Jayanagar. We are looking for individuals that display exceptional talent, a clear thematic focus and a will to push the artistic envelope.

To submit your work for consideration, log onto  www.kalarasa.com  and upload an image of each piece along with the relevant details. For more information get in touch with by emailing us at contact@kalarasa.com

About KalaRasa – Art House

KalaRasa is miscellany of spaces, encompassing an art gallery, art development centre, auditorium, literature

division, fashion store and design house. Offering a dramatic view of south Bengaluru, the art house encloses an extensive 15,000 sq. ft. area in High Street Building at 4th Block Jayanagar.

The prime objective of KalaRasa is to offer patronage to all forms of art and empower artists to transcend their understanding of what art constitutes. In the knowledge that each individual’s experience of art is unique in its own right, each show at the gallery is an attempt to make art a way of life for every human being and create a dynamic inter-cultural dialogue. 

KalaRasa Art House

# 62, 6th Floor, "The High street Mall", 11th Main 
Jayanagar 4th Block, Bangalore, India - 560011

Tel:+91 80 4940 1300
Email: contact@kalarasa.com 

Google Map Link

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Solo Exhibition of Sculptures by Reghu G

Bangalore based sculptor, Reghu's solo exhibition of sculptures is upcoming at Gallery Sumukha. Details are posted below.

You may also want to read 'Ceramic Art (Sculptures by Reghu)', which I wrote in 2008:

I first came across Reghu’s sculptures about four years ago. Tiny ceramic figures that were based on groupings of men, women and children in animated postures caught my eye. Simple, earthy and quite minimal...read more

Ananya Drishya presents Suresh Kumar G

Ananya Drushya, an initiative by eminent artist SG Vasudev is a Bangalore based organization - a cultural trust that promotes music, literature and art that aims to create awareness about visual arts in schools and other sections of the society. Readers will remember that a few years ago, the visual chapter of Ananya had started with a group show, where seventy artists from the city had contributed their paintings. It was immensely successful and helped to raise funds for their activities.

According to Vasudev, “Ananya Drishya aims at a three-pronged approach. We conduct regular lecture and discussion sessions on art and art appreciation programmes. Then we have outreach programmes for school children to develop awareness in them about visual art and culture. Simultaneously, we are developing archives of Karnataka art from pre-Independence period onwards. So, while discussion sessions connect with the present, archives and working with children bridge the past and the future.” (quote from Bangalore Mirror, October 09, 2011)

Since then Ananya has been organizing monthly talks and presentations by artists, which have been very well appreciated and well attended. Last year, I moderated a presentation and interactive session with artists Murali Cheeroth and Ravikumar Kashi. Continuing this series, next is artist Suresh Kumar G making a presentation on Jun 11, 2013.

 Do drop in at Venkatappa Art Gallery if you are in the vicinity.