Art for a cause

The Rotary Club of Bangalore along with Hotel Taj West End hosted the seventh edition of ‘Kala for Vidya’, an exhibition of art works by 35 prominent as well as emerging artists from across the country at the Art Corridor, Taj West End from recently.        
                      

The event was inaugurated by actress and classical danseuse Lakshmi Gopalaswamy. Artistic director of Samskruithi, Satyanarayana Raju, was the guest of honour on the occasion. “‘Kala for Vidya’ is a fund raising initiative that connects the passion for art with the desire to educate underprivileged children,” said RCB president Rtn Shailesh Rudra.

The funds raised from the exhibition will be used to educate more than 500 underprivileged children free of cost at the Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya, Nagadevanahalli. Funds will also be used to construct modern buildings for a dozen government schools in Malur in the rural Bengaluru area.

The exhibition had an eclectic mix of art from established artists belonging to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune and Bengaluru as well as upcoming artists of which four to five were from Karnataka. “The overall concentration has been on getting good works of art and not just good names,” said curator Amita Shenoy.

There was a range of contemporary works featuring figures, landscapes and abstract themes in mediums like oil, acrylic, charcoal, water colour, old egg tempera, gouache and pastels. Water colour and pencil and other mixed media work was also on display.

Senior artist SG Vasudev said that he has gone through a lot of stages in his work and his oil painting at the exhibition titled ‘Rhapsody’ represents the latest stage. “It’s like reacting to music; it depicts movements inspired by music,” said the artist who likes listening to music while painting too.

Gurudas Shenoy also keenly elaborated on his oil paintings, a set of three that depict urban cityscapes. “I used to and still love the character and evolving face of the city which is what I’ve captured in my paintings. The vibrant play of colours and the rich palette reflect that Bengaluru today is housing so many varied people — those from different cultures, old Bengalureans and expatriates. It shows the fast changes that are happening in the city.”

For artist Shan Re, painting has always been therapeutic. It helped her see life in the right perspective and move forward with greater understanding. “There are layers and textures in my works titled ‘The Eternal Spring’, which show the depth and intensity of my emotions. The paintings represent the evenness of mind, equanimity and optimism,” said Shan.

Ganapati Hegde’s five paintings were based on nature — flowers, fruits, plants, trees and other creatures — with a hidden meaning and perspective to each of them. While young artist Aditi Hazra’s charcoal work on paper had several depictions of the female form in nature and other elements around us. 

Connoisseurs of art and other visitors also appreciated the work showcased. “There’s a variety of incredible art here. We are amazed to see the effort put in by the artists,” remarked art lovers Vikram and Rachna.

    Brinda Mehta said that the exhibition has a good mix of young and established artists and she lauded the cause behind the event.

Art enthusiast Bharathi Kamath expressed that the exhibition exposed her to newer talent and more good art pieces and that she would certainly pick up something to add to her collection.