Where sculptures dominate

Utsav Rock Garden, a contemporary sculpture garden in Gutagodi near Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district is popular for more than one reason. The sculptures displayed here portray North Karnataka’s rustic rural life, which includes scenes of traditional occupations like farming, pottery, and weaving; rural lifestyle, crafts, clothing and conventional modes of transportation. The sculpture-setting, sprawling in an area of 40 acres, constitutes various galleries reflecting different facets of the contemporary art and rural culture.

Exploring possibilities
The concept of a garden which not only enthralls but also intrigues, was conceived by well-known artist T B Solabakkanavar. Equipped with his experience of designing several sculpture gardens across the country, he worked towards creating one in his village. He initiated the work in 2005 in Gutagodi in an area of three acres. He achieved his objective of showcasing the vibrancy of rural life and rich culture with active support from his family. His son T S Rajharsh led a team of artists to give shape to the rocks in the garden. Solabakkanavar’s daughter Vedarani is the curator of the garden while her husband, industrialist Prakash Dasanur is the promoter.

More than a 1,000 sculptures depicting past traditions and present trends are present in the garden. A systematic arrangement of these designs makes the garden self-explanatory. The sculptures enchant visitors with their life-like appearance.

Different themes exhibited through sculpture designs found in this recreation park incites curiosity among people of all ages. The Garden can be broadly categorised into village scenario, garden area, animal ensemble, indoor and modern sculptures area. The ambience takes you back by almost a century. As you enter the Garden, you will be enthralled by the sculptures of the hit films of veteran Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar. The Karanji Gallery has little kids in different poses.
A typical village scenario is beautifully depicted by sculptures of men and women engaged in daily chores.

The Garden has paid great attention to detail in its sculptures. For instance, you can marvel at a man listening to his astrologer and also look at a grocer weighing groceries in his hop. You can also find sculptures that depict people reading newspaper, waving hands and combing hair. What more, these beautiful creations are complemented perfectly by lots of greenery. A number of trees and grass are planted to create a forest-like environment. For a more real touch, models of wild animals are installed amidst greenery. 

A number of visitors, who come here are left mesmerised with all the real life depiction. Every aspect of the museum is developed with utmost thought, care and attention. The Garden symbolises a
perfect synchronisation of diverse styles.  
Solabakkanavar, who believes in the immense possibilities of art has utilised this platform to spread the cause of peace and unity among artists and public. In 1986, he led a team of artists in a protest against nuclear weapons through painting activities, one of its kind in the country. Recently more than 50 artists from different parts of Karnataka assembled at Utsav Garden and expressed their anguish against terrorism through strokes of painting.

The Garden has received many accolades – both national and international – for its unique concept and distinctive presentation.