Academician's art work enthrals public in City

Stressing on the need to encourage art, he said that people can always motivate artists by attending art and cultural expos. Along with the academic needs, a person should also have a cultural side, said the VC.

He also added that the University is also supporting culture and art by providing place in the Kala Bhavans for free or for a very low rent.

The VC appreciated Rahiman for bringing out an expo especially on the occasion of the birth centenary of K K Hebbar.

Presiding over the programme, Nitte University Chancellor Dr N V Hegde said that art brings happiness. Life is not always fair but a person can always find happiness in the work he does, he said.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Professor Rahiman said that his love for nature prompted him to take up art. “I have been fond of painting since childhood and most of my art works are oil on canvas. I like portraying nature and still life,” he said.

“Being a teacher of science, I have tried merging art and biology,” he said pointing to a painting on the reproduction process. He also said that he has tried to document rare plant life by painting them.

Speaking on the art scenario in the present day, Rahiman said that today an artist receives encouragement and people can opt to take art as a full time profession. “I would have loved to be a full time artist. I could not practice art for nearly10 years with the exceeding responsibilities in the University but my love of art has never died down,” he says and adds he has painted more than 26 paintings in a span of two months.
Wife of Late B G Mohammed Akther Begum was felicitated on the occasion. The art expo will be open for public viewing on Monday from 3 to 7 pm.

About the Author
Prof Bantwal Abdul Rahiman had his primary and secondary education at Bantwal. After obtaining BSc and MSc, he obtained his Phd degree from Mysore University for his work at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Vittal. Rahiman has served Mangalore and Kuvempu Universities as a faculty member of Biosciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Bionformatics for more than 30 years. He has also served as the Registrar of the Kuvempu University. Presently, he is serving at P A College of Engineering as HoD of Bio-Technology.

He has sharpened and developed his artistic talent under the guidance of B G Mohammed at BGM Fine arts Mangalore.