Affordable artworks at four-day show

Karnataka Lalithakala Academy is organising a four-day exhibition to sell artworks at affordable prices while simultaneously promoting artists from the state.

The show, called ‘A Work of Art for Every Home’ (‘Manegondu Kalakriti’ in Kannada) will open at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath on January 18. The artworks will be priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 30,000, said Pa Sa Kumar, chairman of the Academy.

According to Kumar, the exclusivity and high prices associated with gallery culture prevent the general public from appreciating or buying art pieces. “Earlier, only rich people and art collectors were interested in buying art. But now, the middle class has more disposable income and wants to display elegant or colourful artworks in their homes,” he says.

On Kumar’s suggestion, the Academy had hosted a similar exhibition 20 years ago. He was an executive committee member at the time. “We had put up roughly 300 artworks, and sold 75% of them,” he recalls.

What to expect

Around 600 artworks will be displayed across seven galleries at the venue. “The Academy hosts three or four art workshops and camps every year. For the exhibition, a committee reviewed and shortlisted the artworks that were created in these sessions over many years,” he shares.

Roughly 150 professional artists, art teachers, and fine arts graduates will exhibit their works. They hail from Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Gadag, Mysuru and other parts of the state, in addition to Bengaluru.

Their works will be a mix of drawings (pen and pencil), etchings, and paintings (done in acrylic, oil, and mixed media). “While a drawing usually sells for Rs 4,000 in galleries, drawings at our show cost Rs 1,000,” Kumar says. Etchings are priced at Rs 2,000 and paintings are in the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000.

“In terms of techniques, you will see more use of acrylics, textures, collage-making, and serigraphy. Thematically, these artworks carry metaphors and also subtly reflect on political, social, and economic issues. Two decades ago, there was a greater focus on portraits and landscapes. Now, artists are more inclined towards conceptual paintings,” he elaborates.

Some exhibits also pay an ode to Karnataka’s art heritage. “There will be Mysore style paintings, Surpur miniature paintings, and works inspired by the Vijayanagara style of mural paintings on display. Artists have also sketched temples and villages of Karnataka,” adds Kumar.

The works of Nayana Baburao from Kalaburagi and Raju Terdal from Koppal will feature at the show.

While folk culture and nature are primary subjects in Nayana’s paintings, Terdal likes to depict village life and spirituality. They usually sell their artworks at solo or group shows and events like Chitra Santhe, and through their network of buyers.

Opens on January 18, 5 pm, at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Kumarakrupa Road. On until January 21, 10 am to 7 pm. Call 72599 20705