'Reflect on contributions to society'

Karnataka Lalithakala Akademi chairperson tells artistes at camp in Manipal

 Dr M S Murthy, chairperson of the Karnataka Lalithakala Akademi, said that the artiste fraternity should indulge in introspection over its contribution to the mainstream society.

He was speaking at a national-level art camp, organised by the Akademi on Sunday.
The chairperson said that skill was not the only criterion through which the intensity of art was weighed. “Rather, it is the sensitivity involved in an art piece – exposing the concern of the artiste to various facets of human life – that is important,” he explained.

Murthy rued that the Akademi had failed to bring out such a sensitivity among artistes. “Art has especially suffered in terms of respect and importance. The art tradition has been sidelined and is fighting for survival in society, as the alphabet-based education system is overruling the knowledge structure,” he said and added that the philosophical aspect in art needs better exposure.

 “The Akademi is prioritising the art camps as against seminars and workshops on art. In the past 18 months, it has organised 28 such camps across Karnataka. Most of the camps were rural-centric focusing on rural artistes. The Akademi had, for instance, organised art camps for women in Kalaburgi.”

He also said that exchange programmes are held at various levels across the country, and national-level artistes participate in such camps of the Akademi. “Artistes from the State are sent to other places as part of exchange programmes,” he added.

Asserting that people who lack opportunities, in spite of having immense skill and talent, would know the nerve of the concern, Murthy said that 560 artistes have taken part in 28 art camps.

“Art education should be for the internal development of the artistes. There is also a serious need for serious deliberations over the practical realities. Artistes sell themselves in their urge for livelihood, and have failed to look into the problems and contradictions in society,” he explained.

Pointing out that art is not limited to caste and religion, the chairperson said that it belongs to human beings. He added that in course of time, the Akademi has been successful in shedding certain reservations in terms of programmes organised.

“As per government directions, an art camp was also organised for Dalits. The Akademi decided to shed the word Dalit, although the camp was meant for that particular community. The other caste artistes were included in large numbers – all had a single canvas and colour to work on, without discrimination,” Murthy narrated.

He added that the Akademi is into documenting the works of senior and well-known artists who have excelled in their fields. “They are given ID cards. As many as 500 artists are identified. Art programmes like ‘Shabda-Nishabda’ and ‘Sparsha’ are organised. Besides, a national-level art summit will be held in December, when 100 international and national artistes will take part.

‘Padasale’, the open art gallery is open to all artists irrespective of their age and experience. The Varna art gallery is set up to organise regular art expo. Until now 12 art expos are held,” Murthy added.