Artists doing their bit for Karnataka flood victims

A special exhibition-cum-sale is on display at Venkatappa Art Gallery here. The five-day exhibition will end Oct 28. The exhibition is an initiative of Samyojitha, a trust run by artists for social causes. "The exhibition is an attempt of the artists to do their bit for the relief and rehabilitation of  floods victims.  What better way than exhibiting their art work for connoisseurs and raising money by selling the art exhibits," Samyojitha convener N. Marishamachar told reporters.

"Ours is one of the oldest modern art organisations in Karnataka. Artists have always been concerned about the well- being of people, especially the downtrodden. At a time when hundreds of people have been killed in the floods and millions are homeless, the artists feel it is their responsibility to do their bit," he added. An estimated 18 million people have been affected by the floods in 18 of Karnataka's 29 districts. Three days of torrential rain, accompanied by floods, beginning Sep 30, left around 220 people dead in the state.

Prominent artists featuring in the exhibition include Yusuf Arakkal, Chandranath Acharya, M B Patil, B Jayaram, K B Surekha, Gurudas Shenoy, Rani Rekha, S Krishnappa, J M S Mani, R Suri and P S Kumar among others.

"We're receiving a lot of enquiries from visitors at the art gallery. Art lovers are showing interest in buying art works. We're hoping to raise good money through the event," Marishamachar said. The prices of the art works range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 150,000. "It's the time to stand together and help our brothers and sisters in the time of their need," said M B Patil, one of the artists.