A plunge into a wild wonderland

The lush and beautiful forests of coastal Karnataka have captivated nature lovers across the world for decades. For contemporary artist Ganapati Hegde, who grew up in the seaside town of Kumta, the landscape of this region has been both an inspiration and a muse. This was evident in an exhibition titled ‘Forest Fables’, which concluded in Bengaluru recently.

Offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Uttara Kannada’s lush forests, brimming with native biological life and intricate ecosystems, the exhibition captured the untamed beauty and vibrant culture of the region. “A lot of my childhood was spent in forests where I used to observe wildlife and it has left a big impression on me over the years. ‘Forest Fables’ is a story about life in the forests where all the beings of the forest become characters. It’s like the illustrated books we used to read as kids where all the birds and animals talk and behave like humans,” explains Hegde.

With a unique illustrative style that blends bright colours with a mix of ink, paint, and drawing techniques, his canvases are filled with myriad hues of flora and fauna, showcasing the interconnectedness of all life. “My paintings are a colourful world where all forms of life live together as I believe everything in nature is connected and interdependent,” he emphasises. “Plants need animals, animals need plants, forming a symbiotic relationship that sustains life. It’s like a big harmonious family where everyone helps each other out, and mutual support is paramount.”

Among his favourite pieces in the exhibition are ‘Sunday Afternoon’, featuring a frog on a sofa, and ‘Bajarangi Bhaijaan’, showcasing a langur draped in an exquisite shawl. “With the frog sitting on one side of the sofa, ‘Sunday Afternoon’ prompts viewers to build their own stories around the image — such as what it is doing there or whether it is waiting for someone to join in,” Hegde muses.

Interestingly, the frog is a recurring character in Hegde’s works and he believes that they add a touch of humour to them. “They bring a lot of joy, especially to children and have qualities many of us can relate to. I come from an IT background and in the corporate world, your boss becomes an important part of your daily life. I gave the frog the character of a boss to channelise humour — a lazy boss who likes to chill and reap the benefits of all the hard work that is done by others!”

Cultural symbolism is also integral to Hegde’s work, particularly through his ‘Shawl’ series, which signifies respect for wildlife. “The shawl is a significant part of Indian tradition, gifted to show respect. I’ve intricately designed these shawls to honour wildlife that is so important for ecological balance,” he explains. “We must respect the animals that share our environment. Everything is interconnected in nature, and we should not forget that.”

The artist’s formative experiences in the forests, particularly his visits to his grandfather’s temple, have profoundly shaped his artistic journey. “As a child, I would walk through thick forests to reach my grandfather’s temple. Those early encounters with the wilderness are at the heart of all my artworks,” Hegde recalls. He describes how the temple, nestled amidst a serene environment, allowed him to observe nature closely. “I used to always stop at a kalyani (water tank) in front of the temple, spending hours watching frogs jump around. One moment you see them, and the next, they disappear. Those memories are precious, and I’m trying to bring them back to life in my art.”

Hegde’s use of humour extends to his broader themes, as he skillfully addresses serious issues like habitat loss and ecological sensitivity. “It’s challenging to represent complex thoughts visually,” he reflects. “When interpreting art, you can do it positively or negatively. I choose to do it positively, using humour to engage viewers. I want people to feel refreshed, relaxed, and most of all, alive. Nature has so much to teach us, and I want to share that joy through my art.”