Splendid strokes of creative prowess

Chitra Santhe - Art for all’, organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, on Sunday saw an exuberant display of creative talents.

    Bengalureans were treated to fine paintings, drawings, caricatures, miniature figurines and more presented by artistes from across the country. They were also regaled by performing artistes and live painting sessions. With an attempt to bring art to the public, and make it a part of everyday life, this event also focussed on affordability.

     The entire stretch of Kumara Krupa Road buzzed with not just artistes but also art lovers and art connoisseurs looking out for their favourite works.

    Adding some traditional elements to all her paintings was Aarthi Kulkarni from Hyderabad.

     She said, “I have been into art from the past 15 years. I am primarily into miniatures and monochrome paintings. However, since this is my first time at ‘Chitra Santhe’, I am displaying a mix of pot paintings, pottery and canvas paintings here. The response has been extremely encouraging and I am looking forward to participating in the coming years too.”

Being a complete art novice didn’t stop Shakuntala from exploring the fair. Though she doesn’t have technical knowledge about this field, she says she loves art in all its various forms.

     “I have been hearing about ‘Chitra Santhe’ for quite sometime, but never got a chance to visit until today. Being a Bengali, I picked up two paintings from artists who are from my region. I also picked up a painting of a human face, which I had
been eyeing for a while. I am a very aesthetic person, so anything that appeals to me, I quickly pick it up,” she says.

She points out that these kind of events are a great way to spend a Sunday; being outside and connecting with people from various fields.

     Apart from some experienced artists showcasing their work, there were many young and aspiring artists for whom it was the first time at the ‘Santhe’. But the enthusiasm and motivation put them on par with the seniors.

     “I started painting when I was in eighth standard. I soon realised my passion for art and that’s what has brought me here today. I am concentrating on interacting and opening up with the public about my artworks. This is the first time I am selling my work and I wanted to know how the public would react to my work. It was a humbling experience,” said Runjhun Kejriwal.

      Most of her work was inspired by her travels and each of the paintings reflected a range of moods on the canvas — happy, sad, meditative and so on.    

One of the most interesting miniatures was a painting made on sea shells. “A lot of middle class people also visit this place, who might not be able to buy an expensive canvas painting. This is why we thought of doing something different, which would also  be easy on the pocket. We collected a few sea shells from different places and painted an entire story or an element on them and pasted them on a canvas. It is less time consuming and affordable too,” said Shivkumar who made the painting along with his wife.

Manjula Umesh has been in the field of art for the last 22 years and she has been a part of ‘Chitra Santhe’ for quite sometime now.

      “I have concentrated on acrylic, abstract in textured mixed medium. Psychedelic and spray painting has been my favourite for a while now. Exhibitions like these give a lot of opportunity for artists around the country to showcase what they are good at,” says Manjula.

    At the venue, one could also see small food stalls were people were treating themselves to. The ‘Chitra Santhe’ was successful in creating a carnivalesque experience and Bengalureans truly relished it.