Showing posts with label Art Scene India. Show all posts

14 Jun 2025

Beyond the Reopening: Reviving Venkatappa Art Gallery

Venkatappa Art Gallery view, Art Scene India

After months of anticipation and extensive renovation efforts by The Brigade Foundation, the Venkatappa Art Gallery reopened its doors. More than 200 artists and enthusiasts gathered for the ‘Gallery Pravesha’ on the morning of 13th Jun, a day after the official inauguration, which was boycotted by the artist fraternity.

Rumale Chennabasaviah Exhibition

The renovated Venkatappa Art Gallery now has three exhibition spaces for artists, but only one was utilized for the inaugural display: a condensed yet well-presented exhibition on Rumale Chennabasaviah made possible by Sanjay Kabe. The absence of exhibitions in the other two galleries on the ground floor was in my opinion a missed opportunity—an inaugural showcase across all spaces would have added much to the event.

KK Hebbar Gallery

The second floor houses the K.K. Hebbar exhibition, unfortunately, non-functional lighting left a small section in partial darkness, and his publications were not on display, at least one could not spot them. A thoughtful reassessment of the design and display of this space would help in bringing a more coherent and engaged display and do justice to Hebbar’s legacy.

K. Venkatappa’s main gallery on the first floor, however, is well curated and presents his paintings, veenas, awards, and personal memorabilia all displayed in a manner that honours his multifaceted practice and interests. Yet here, too, flickering lights interrupted the experience—a recurring technical issue that needs resolution.

Having said that, all of these concerns are minor in comparison to what has been achieved during the restoration – from addressing leaky ceilings and walls, mold, and cracks, to structural repairs, well designed lighting and accessibility features with ramps and elevators, have made a huge difference. In addition, there is a 100-seat auditorium, a sculpture park, a cafe, and outdoor spaces which have been redesigned.

The overwhelming turnout from artists demonstrated the community’s commitment to supporting institutional spaces. Navigating the exhibits amid the crowds made it difficult to engage with the artworks in depth—and one would have to visit again to view the exhibitions in detail.

The Future

Looking ahead, several crucial aspects must be addressed. Clarity on how artists can book the gallery spaces, the fee structure, and programming guidelines must be communicated in a transparent manner. Furthermore, a dedicated team—comprising curators and art experts—should be established to steer the activities, ensuring thoughtful exhibitions, critical dialogue, and sustained engagement with the space.

Venkatappa Art Gallery with its unique location and its rich history has the potential to be a vibrant cultural hub, once again. With careful planning, artist-centered programming, and infrastructural refinements, it can evolve into an institution that not only preserves artistic legacies but also fosters contemporary conversations. The reopening was a significant milestone—now it’s time to ensure the momentum leads to meaningful change.

Please share this article using the social media widgets at the bottom and do subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India.

To contribute articles, please get in touch at artsceneinfo@gmail.com
Also read,

10 Jun 2025

Art News: Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

Rendered drawing only for representation

Established in 1975, the Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru has hosted generations of artists, fostering creativity and dialogue. However, years of neglect left the institution in dire need of restoration. The renovation was undertaken as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and aimed to modernize the gallery while preserving its historical essence. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the project was completed at a cost exceeding Rs 8 crore with plans for five exhibition galleries, a permanent collection space, and enhanced infrastructure, including a dedicated artists’ room. The purpose of the restoration was to breathe new life into the venue, and ensure it remains a vital hub for cultural activities.

Despite the excitement surrounding the gallery’s reopening on June 12, controversy has emerged over the alleged ‘exclusion of the local art community’ from the event. While government officials and corporate representatives are expected to attend, many artists—who have long advocated for the gallery’s preservation—have reportedly been left out of the celebrations.

This exclusion has sparked discontent among Bengaluru’s artistic circles as evident through a number of social media posts. It must be pointed out that the gallery’s revival was largely driven by years of lobbying from several artists, who were diligent about keeping it from falling into private hands.

Future of Artistic Spaces

In general, it is important to include artists at every stage to ensure their involvement in shaping cultural institutions, and to avoid a precedent for a ‘top-down management of artistic spaces’, which could reduce opportunities for grassroots engagement.

Artists and cultural advocates are now calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in the gallery’s future programming. While the renovation is a welcome development, its success will ultimately depend on how well it serves the artistic community it was built for.

As Bengaluru’s art scene continues to evolve, the Venkatappa Art Gallery stands at a crossroads—will it remain a true home for artists, or become a polished but detached institution? The answer lies in how its custodians respond to the voices of those who have long fought for its survival.

What are your thoughts and suggestions on this topic?

Note: the article was updated on Jun 11

Please share this article using the social media widgets at the bottom and do subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India.

To contribute articles, please get in touch at artsceneinfo@gmail.com
Also read,

16 Dec 2024

Art News: India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024

India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024: A Grand Celebration of Art and Culture

Bengaluru: The much-awaited India Art Festival (IAF) is set to return to Bengaluru for its fourth edition, enthralling art lovers from December 19 to 22, 2024, at the Palace Ground, Kings Court. This edition promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet, bringing together an unprecedented number of participants to celebrate art.

India Art Festival, IAF Bangalore 2024, Image for Art Scene India

Lalu Prasad Shaw

With over 30 galleries and contributions from 350 artists representing 30 cities across India, the art festival will showcase a wide array of artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to photography, ceramics, and installations. This year’s IAF highlights the vibrancy of India’s contemporary art scene, providing a platform to explore its latest trends and innovations.

A Feast for Art Enthusiasts

Opening on December 19, the art festival offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic diversity. Over 3,500 pieces of art, spanning oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, installations, traditional art, and much more, will be displayed at the Kings Court, Palace Ground. The event aims to captivate both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, ensuring a comprehensive art experience for all.

India Art Festival has consistently fostered a balance between supporting emerging talents and showcasing works by established artists, creating a unique platform for artistic expression. In this edition, young and independent artists will shine alongside eminent names, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art.

Special Exhibitions and Events

Chandra Battacharya

A key highlight of this year’s India Art Festival is the curated exhibition, "Shaping Horizons: Karnataka’s Iconic Innovators," masterfully curated by Prof. K.S. Appajaiah. This remarkable showcase celebrates the pioneering works of 30 distinguished artists, including S.G. Vasudev, Gurudas Shenoy, M.S. Murthy, M.J. Kamalakshi, C. Chandrashekhar, J.S. Khanderao, V.G. Andani, Sudha Manohar, Hemavathi Umamaheswar, and others. Together, these luminaries have profoundly influenced and shaped Karnataka’s art landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the region. This exhibition is a tribute to their enduring legacy and a celebration of their visionary contributions to the world of art.

Laxman Aelay

IAF Creative Excellence Awards

The India Art Festival (IAF), a premier platform celebrating contemporary art and artists, proudly reintroduces its IAF Creative Excellence Awards in this edition. Established in 2011, these prestigious awards honor the creativity, innovation, and dedication of artists participating in the festival. Open to both independent artists and those represented by galleries, the awards recognize outstanding talent showcased across IAF editions in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Each award includes a memento, a certificate of appreciation, and a cash prize of ₹50,000, presented to two selected artists. The winners are chosen by an independent jury comprising two esteemed figures from the art world. The awards will be ceremoniously presented during the opening ceremony of the India Art Festival on December 19, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Kings Court, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. This initiative underscores IAF's commitment to nurturing artistic excellence and celebrating the diverse talents that enrich the contemporary art scene.

Fusion Shows

Amit Bhar

Every year, the India Art Festival offers an enchanting convergence of music and visual art, blending the universally beloved medium of sound with the evocative, often intricate language of visual expression to craft an immersive sensory experience. This year, the festival elevates its cultural repertoire with captivating fusion performances and live painting sessions featuring renowned artists P. Gnana, Manjegowda, and Eby N Joseph, accompanied by exceptional musicians Subramanya Hegade (Sitar), Prasanna Ballal (Mandolin), Shrinidhi Katti (Flute), and Sandeep M (Tabla).

These dynamic collaborations will transform the festival into a vibrant cultural hub, offering audiences a harmonious interplay of art and music on December 20, 21, and 22, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. This unique synthesis promises to captivate art and music enthusiasts alike, enriching their festival experience with creativity and inspiration.

Film Screenings

The other highlight of the India Art Festival, Bengaluru, is the screening of the enlightening film, "The Eternal Canvas – 12,000 Years Journey through Indian Art." This cinematic masterpiece offers an immersive exploration of India’s rich artistic heritage, tracing its evolution from prehistoric cave paintings to the vibrant expressions of contemporary art.

Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, the film provides a panoramic journey across millennia, celebrating the profound creativity and cultural legacy of Indian art. Visitors are invited to experience this visual odyssey on December 20, 21, and 22, with screenings scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM each day.
This feature adds a dynamic dimension to the festival, offering an educational and inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Praveen Kumar

Artistic Pavilion and Global Participation

This year’s Artists’ Pavilion will feature 300 independent artists presenting their works alongside 100 established artists represented by galleries. Participating galleries include Bengaluru-based Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, and Gallery Charvi, along with prominent names from Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and beyond, including international galleries like Gnani Arts (Singapore) and Artconcept (Dubai).

Participating Art Galleries:

Bengaluru : Space Edge, Sara Arakkal Galerie, Shiny Colors Art Gallery, ReIGNITE EDTECH PVT LTD, Akanksha Art Gallery, iArt Gallery, ASR Art Studio, Gallery Charvi

Mumbai: House of Emerge, Rhythm Art, Studio Monica Ghule, Studio Pankaj Bawdekar, Nitya Artists Centre, Bouquet of Art Gallery

New Delhi & NCR: Gallery Pioneer, Pastel Tale, OPS Art Gallery, Uchaan, Artecious World Art Gallery, Aura Planet, Artehut, Merakii Art House, Eminent Art Gallery,

Gnani Arts, Singapore, Artconcept, Dubai
Artsbreeze Art Gallery, Hyderabad, Pichwaiwala Narendra Art, Udaipur, Smita Art, Kolkata
M Narayan Studio from Pune.

Event Details

Dates: December 19 to 22, 2024
Venue: Kings Court, Palace Ground, Gate No. 5, Bellary Road, Near Mekhri Circle, Bengaluru
Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tickets: Day Pass ₹299, & Season Pass ₹499 available on BookMyShow.com and at the venue

- Excerpt from press release

13 Sept 2024

Art News: MAP, Bengaluru Appoints Harish Vasudevan As Acting Director

Harish Vasudevan as Acting Director of MAP

Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru, India announced the appointment of Harish Vasudevan as Acting Director on September 9th, 2024.

Reflecting on the continuing development of the museum from its roots as the first digital museum in India, and the successful opening of its building in Bengaluru in February 2023, the appointment is designed to prepare the organisation for further growth.

In over three decades of experience, Harish has held several leadership roles in multiple geographies, with companies like Ogilvy & Mather as well as IBM. He is also a published author and teacher. Over the last six months Harish has been consulting with MAP on Marketing and Operations.

Besides working with all the Heads of departments across Education, Collections,
Conservation, Inclusion, Marketing & Communications, Design and Development, Harish
will be further supported by Dr. Arnika Ahldag, Head of Curation and Exhibitions at MAP.

Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Poddar, Founder and President of MAP said “As we looked at our plans for the future, we were looking for someone with the skills to develop the organisation, while also strengthening the brand. Harish has just the right combination of expertise and experience to build on the foundation that MAP has laid over the last few years.”

“The first time I entered MAP I fell in love with it. I am honoured to get a chance to lead this fabulous team as we get ready for Phase 2 of MAP’s impressive journey as India’s first new museum to open in a decade.”, says Harish Vasudevan — Acting Director, MAP.

- Excerpt from press release

5 Mar 2024

An Art Exhibition with a Difference

Kala for Vidya 2024

Mukesh Sharma, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

'Kala for Vidya’, the much-awaited annual event, by the Rotary club of Bangalore is back this weekend (March 9-10th) to coincide with Women’s Day celebrations. An initiative by the Rotary club of Bangalore, it raises funds for the education of underprivileged children. It is a part of their flagship project - the Rotary Bangalore Vidhyalaya (RBV), which was set up in the year 1960, and currently has a student strength of about 540 children (pre-nursery to 10th grade), and where all of these children come from families that need financial support.

Ankon Mitra, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Gopinath S., Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

From the year 2005, Rotary club of Bangalore has been organizing an art exhibition cum sale called “Kala for Vidya” to raise funds in order to provide education, uniforms, food and books to the children in this school. It is commendable that the artist community has been supporting this initiative right from the beginning as well as has been an integral part of the social cause, contributing immensely to its continued success.

The curated art collection keeps accessibility in mind and provides a diverse range at various price points to allow both new collectors and seasoned investors to either initiate or consolidate their art collection. Another significant element is that several young and emerging artists who made their debut at these exhibitions in previous years have gone on to make a mark in the art world, and they have continued to support the Kala for Vidya cause.

Manisha Gopinath, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

This year’s edition celebrates the theme of “Oneness” – a much needed concept in today's world. The extensive art collection on display thus invokes a greater appreciation for the sheer diversity in artistic expression, where newer trends, voices and vocabularies are expressed. A special feature of this edition of Kala for Vidya is several contemporary expressions in a variety of materials are presented alongside traditional and classical themes and styles of painting. There are several artists from Bangalore and from across the country who are part of K4V for the first time, and have presented their recent drawings, paintings, mixed media and graphic works, and sculptures at the exhibition.

Rtn. Nalini Nanjundayya, President, Rotary Club of Bangalore elaborates, “This year, we embrace the theme "Oneness of Spirit - Oneness of Thought - Oneness of Action towards the Oneness of ALL." Excitingly, we are set to auction and sell artworks at affordable rates, generously provided by established and emerging artists. The proceeds will contribute to the noble cause of providing education to those in need. Each artist has created a special piece of art for this. Something never seen before. Education is a personal passion of mine, driven by its transformative power and its ability to change lives.”

This edition focuses largely on figuration and representation of human and animal figures, elements from nature, and depiction of life from rural and urban situations. Myths, folklore and divinity are some of the themes that have been explored by several artists in overt and in metaphorical ways. However, some of the artists have adopted a minimalistic approach using material to create texture and form.

Well-known artists such as Ankon Mitra, Mukesh Sharma, Sachin Tekade, Shivani Aggarwal, Nandesha Shantiprakash, Raghu Kondur, Gyanesh Mishra among others are participating for the first time.

SG Vasudev, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Sachin Tekade, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Shivani Aggarwal, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Ankon is known for his large-scale sculptural installations but has specially created an exquisite hand folded set of butterflies in metal, while Mukesh presents contemporary paintings with influences from RajasthanI miniature paintings, frescos, and block printing of Sanganer. Sachin transforms the textural qualities of paper in a sculptural form, Gopinath S. presents an ethereal and delicate porcelain sculpture, Manisha Gopinath explores the beauty of birds, trees and marine forms in ceramic and offers a piece that reflects this. Suresh K. is fascinated with how building layers with paper can alter the effects of light and shadows and combines with watercolour to narrate a story.

G. Subramanian, Jasu Rawal, Gurudas Shenoy, Chandranath Acharya, M.G.Doddamani, Shan Re, Basuki Dasgupta, Venugopal V.G., Bhavani GS, Pradeep Kumar DM have been associated with K4V for a long time and have created new works for the exhibition, while senior artists SG Vasudev, CS Krishana Setty, AM Prakash, Ravikumar Kashi and others are also part of the exhibition.

CS Krishna Setty, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Gurudas Shenoy, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Nandabassapa Wade, Kala for Vidya, Art Scene India

Colour, form and textures create an abundance of delightful compositions in this K4V collection, and there is something for everyone. The QR code below when scanned allows you to download the catalog.

In addition, there is special emphasis on engaging audiences through use of technology – QR Codes to know more about the artwork, videos that offer a glimpse into the creative process, art therapy as a tool and other innovative ways to engage the viewer and collector.

Kala for Vidya, catalog QR Code, K4V24, Art Scene India

The 17th edition, curated by Nalini Malaviya, will be held on 9th-10th March at Hotel Conrad, Bangalore.

For Enquiries, WhatsApp +91 6361 630 739

Move the cursor over the image to read the artist's name

19 Jan 2024

(Un)Contained a solo exhibition of paintings by Smita Verma

Curatorial Note

‘(Un)Contained’ is an extension of artist Smita Verma’s previous body of work, a nostalgic memoir of her childhood and home in Rajasthan, viewed through a lens of longing and wistfulness. The built environment and the sky, symbolic of hope and infinite possibilities amidst the urban landscape, continues to form the core of her visual schema. Smita navigates the numerous characteristics, complexities and dichotomies of a city as an organic, living entity that expands its physical boundaries over time, and is perceived as a land of dreams and opportunities. Despite being mired in conflicts and anxieties, the city appears as a mirage, a utopian dream, for many.

Painting by Smita Verma, Art Scene India

Long Haul by Smita Verma

Smita attempts to reconcile memories of her childhood with the currency of her life in Bangalore, situating it against a city, with a rapidly evolving landscape. She finds solace in watching the infinite stretch of the sky, an expanse of azure blue shared with loved ones back in Rajasthan, her childhood home - a connect that keeps her centred. Thus, the sky in its varying colours, from a pale cerulean on a clear summer day, a fiery crimson and a golden hue with the setting sun, to an inky black bathed in moonshine, forms the backdrop for each of her work.

The meticulously arranged buildings on her canvas belie the chaos that typifies urban planning and life. The comingling of varied styles of painting on a single surface creates a distinct visual vocabulary, a fusion of tradition with contemporaneity. Having learnt Kangra painting from a noted traditional artist, Smita incorporates elements from miniature style of painting in the detailing of the foliage, the clouds, the skyline, and in the blocks of buildings. She also opts for a two-dimensional perspective, at times, which references Indian miniature painting style. In most of the paintings, naturalistic rendering is interspersed with miniature elements and motifs to represent the inherent complexities and the dichotomy of a city’s charm and appeal.

Panorama by Smita Verma

The sharply delineated buildings, stylised at times, but disrupting the horizon in a marked manner, intensify the contrast between the blended hues of the sky and the foliage, acting as a metaphor for the conflicts, challenges and the joy and fulfilment contained within the confines of a city. Several such paradoxes are amplified in the juxtaposition of pictorial elements. Glittering windows in the tall skyscrapers, vestiges of floral blooms and trees around the concrete structures, and the sky in its glorious splendour, recreate an illusion of calm and bliss.

The absence of human figures alludes to the sense of isolation that pervades despite the bustling nature of the city. The silence and stillness is palpable, a moment in time as if suspended unnaturally between the past and future. Winding roads, flyovers, playgrounds and fields, and walkways are lined with foliage and an abundance of concrete structures. Relics of histories appear in the form of old buildings and monuments that are resplendent yet dilapidated; fallen flowers cover a derelict car as an ode to the numerous blossoms that once lined Bangalore roads, lush green foliage adorn the top of the buildings offers a satirical view of the concrete jungle that has now replaced the natural cover. Notions of conflict between man and nature, and the irony of progress amidst ecological deterioration through urban landscapes present the decay in its sartorial beauty.

Nalini S Malaviya
Curator

(Un)Contained is on view at Lalit Kala Akademi, gallery no. 3, New Delhi, till 23rd Jan, 2024

11 Dec 2023

Art News: India Art Festival in Bangalore

India Art Festival Returns to Bengaluru with its Third Edition, Showcasing an Unprecedented Array of Artistic Talent

The highly anticipated India Art Festival (IAF) returns to Bengaluru for its third edition, from December 14 to 17 at the expansive Palace Ground, Kings Court. This year's edition promises an unparalleled showcase of artistic brilliance, with an unprecedented number of participants, making it the largest and most diverse gathering of artists and galleries to date.

India Art Festival, Bangalore, Image for Art Scene India

Gurudas Shenoy

Boasting an impressive scale and scope, the 3rd Bengaluru edition of IAF is set to captivate the city with cutting-edge contemporary art, presented by over 25 art galleries and featuring contributions from a staggering 400 artists hailing from 40 different cities across India. The festival is a testament to the thriving art scene in the country, offering a comprehensive exploration of various artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, and installations.

Opening on December 14, the event will serve as a melting pot of artistic diversity, providing insights into the latest trends in Indian and Asian diaspora art. Founded in 2011 by the publishers of the Indian Contemporary Art Journal, IAF stands as the only annual art fair held in three major metro cities – Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru – having successfully mounted 25 editions thus far.

With a staggering 3500 pieces of art on display at the Palace Ground, IAF caters to a wide audience, welcoming seasoned art collectors and new buyers alike. The eclectic selection includes oil paintings, acrylics, watercolours, original prints, installations, and drawings in myriad styles, covering landscapes, figurative works, abstracts, cityscapes, seascapes, urban and rural scenarios, portraits, nudes, religious art, traditional paintings, murals, Warli art, and much more.

Prabhu Joshi

Over the last thirteen years, India Art Festival has been a consistent platform for both
emerging talents and established artists, striving to provide an open atmosphere for contemporary art. In its 3rd edition in Bengaluru, the festival strikes a balance between appealing to seasoned art enthusiasts and actively engaging with a younger generation of tech-savvy art buyers, resulting in a diverse and eclectic selection of art.

This year, the festival is proud to feature the imaginative contributions of young talents, injecting refreshing perspectives and radical visual art voices. The Kings Court at the Palace Ground will host 80 booths, showcasing a total of 3500 pieces of art.

Participating art galleries include Akanksha Art Gallery, Charvi Art Gallery, Shiny Colours Art Gallery, H Art Gallery, SM Art Gallery, Sara Arakkal Gallerie (all Bengaluru), ArtDesh Foundation, Artvista, Beyond the Canvas, Bouquet of Art Gallery, Nitya Artists Center, Studio Pankaj Bawdekar, Studio Monica Ghule, Studio Om Thadkar, The Bombay Art Society (Mumbai), ArteHut, Aura Planet, Eminent Art Gallery, Gallery Pioneer, Pastel Tale OPS Art Gallery, Sudha Art Creations & Uchaan (Delhi-NCR), Gnani Arts (Singapore), Arpitam Kala Mandir (Kolkata), M Narayan Studio (Pune), Pichwaiwala - Narendra Arts & Handicrafts (Udaipur), among others.

Thota Vaikuntam

The festival also introduces the Artists’ Pavilion, featuring individual booths by independent artists designed to foster a dialogue between viewers and artists. This multi-level engagement encourages a direct connection between the art market and artists, facilitating open discussions and the purchase of artwork on an open platform. India Art Festival Director, Rajendra, emphasizes the festival's commitment to democratizing 'art viewing and buying,' a movement that has spread across Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru over the past thirteen years.

This year, the Artists’ Pavilion showcases both unknown talents and established names, with more than 300 independent artists presenting their expressions in the form of paintings and sculptures alongside 100 established artists exhibited by art galleries. The diverse range of subjects explored by these artists encompasses personal experiences to intense narratives.

The 3rd Bengaluru edition of India Art Festival promises not only visual delights but also auditory, visual and cinematic experiences. Eminent artists Ganapati Agnihotri, Kanthraj N, Chintamani G G, Ganesh Doddamani along with musicians Manjunath (Flute), Subramanya Hegde (Sitar), Karthik I S(Mandolin) accompanied by Maruti Prasad (Tabla) will transform the Palace Grounds into a cultural oasis, offering not only a visual feast but also a multitude of fusion shows, live musical performances, mesmerizing live painting demonstrations on 15 to 17 Dec from 3.30 to 5.00pm. A standout feature of the event is the enlightening film "The Eternal Canvas – 12,000 Years Journey through Indian Art," a cinematic exploration of India's rich artistic heritage spanning millennia. This cinematic journey provides a sweeping overview of the evolution of Indian art, from prehistoric times to contemporary expressions. It will be screened from 15 to 17 Dec, from 5.30 t0 7.00pm.

Durga Bai Vyam

The Artists Pavilion, with its fresh face and diverse talent, adds a new layer to the India Art Festival experience in the Garden City. With its mammoth collection of art under one roof, IAF serves as a one-stop mega art jamboree for art enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy art without the need to hop around various art spaces in the city.

India Art Festival will run from December 14 to 17, 2023, at Kings Court, Palace Ground, Gate No.5, Bellary Road, Near Mekhri Circle, Bengaluru, from 11 am to 8:00 pm on all days. The tickets for India Art Festival, priced at Rs.299, are available on BookMyShow.com and at the venue, ensuring a captivating cultural experience for art enthusiasts.

For further details, contact 9820737692

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art at this year's India Art Festival in the Garden City!

Excerpted from the press release

15 Mar 2023

Art News: Wilderness Escapades by Krish Iyer

Reconnecting with the past

Bangalore based artist Krish Iyer presents his recent suite of paintings that reimagine sculptures of Khajuraho temples, which decades ago, had set him on a path of creative expression. Iyer revisited the site recently, which is located in a densely forested region, rich in natural flora and fauna. In the temple art and architecture with its iconographic symbolism and its philosophical and spiritual moorings, Iyer has found a way to reconnect with the past, and re-envision it in his art, in a contemporary context.

Abstract painting 1 by Krish Iyer, Art Scene India

Painting by Krish Iyer

The large format paintings in ‘Wilderness Escapades’ reference these sculptures and the underlying premises, to create a spatial interplay of light, colour and texture to suggest the form, postures and gestures of the stone statues in a quasi-representational style. The artist’s interpretations are moored around the historicity of the temples, their geography - located as it is amidst forested land and wilderness, with their beauty and splendor remaining undiscovered for centuries. And, their subsequent desecration by invaders, all of which weave an intriguing narrative of mystery and mystique, of magnificence and ruin, of worldwide fame and remoteness. The art and architecture of the Khajuraho temples combined with their religious, cultural and historical significance form an intrinsic part of their allure. Numerous stories, philosophies and other intangibles lie beneath the surface of the stones, creating sagas of seduction, lure and enigma.

Krish’s canvases explore these histories, the abstracted notions of human potential, philosophies of living, corporeality of the flesh and temporality of life. The visual semantics are anchored in formal aesthetics, with defined line drawings marking the canvas, while the abstract expressionist approach at later stages lends critical layers of texture, and simultaneously recontextualizes historical content.

Painting by Krish Iyer

The tactile surface of the works emerges from heavy textures, layers of dripping paint, and several applications of thick acrylic paint using the impasto technique. The palette knife and other tools transform the canvas, to add depth and dimension, to strip off extraneity and to emphasize salient features of the physical form. Transcendence, man and nature (re)union, the cycle of life and rebirth, and joy of living are some of the key principles that are depicted at Khajuraho temples, and it is these that Krish seeks and attempts to portray in his works. The deliberate obliteration of details in the figures, and the structurally accurate forms that replicate their defiled state, are incandescent with the ironies of transience – both natural and as outcomes of anarchist interventions.

Despite the precision of line drawings that form the basis of the works, Iyer’s methodology is essentially non-mimetic. The gradual yet decidedly gestural transformation of the painting surface as a pictorial array of subconscious thoughts and patterns rescinds identifiable characteristics and accentuates the metaphorical import.

After a successful career in commercial art, Krish has returned to painting with this solo exhibition - to pursue subjects and themes that resonate with him. A chance encounter with the Khajuraho temples almost three decades ago, stayed with him through the years and a strange yearning drew him back to them recently. This series originated from the revisit, marked by an innate desire to reconnect with nature, and to allow subconscious thoughts and emotions to surface and transform on canvas. With this exhibition, Krish attempts to break the invisible shackles that have contained his creativity all these years and to realize his inner potential.

Nalini S Malaviya
Art Critic
March, 2023

- Catalogue text

The exhibition 'Wilderness Escapades' continues from March 20-26 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore. For further details contact 9900094466. Visit Wilderness Escapades (krishiyer.in)

Please share this article using the social media widgets at the bottom and do subscribe to receive regular updates from Art Scene India.

To contribute articles, please get in touch at artsceneinfo@gmail.com

Also read,

14 Jun 2025

The Future

10 Jun 2025

Venkatappa Art Gallery: Renovation

Future of Artistic Spaces

16 Dec 2024

India Art Festival Bengaluru, December 2024: A Grand Celebration of Art and Culture

13 Sept 2024

Also read,

5 Mar 2024

Kala for Vidya 2024

Also read,

19 Jan 2024

Also read,

11 Dec 2023

Also read,

15 Mar 2023

Reconnecting with the past

Search Art Scene India (700+ posts)