Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath - Colours & Creativity
"Art is the Queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world"
(Leonardo da Vinci)
I am a great admirer of art & I also admire the skills & talents of those who perform in the arts. Art galleries play an important role in the people’s understanding of the real essence of art and make them appreciate their culture. I always enjoy visiting museums, art galleries & similar places. One such beautiful place in Bangalore I frequently visit is Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (KCP)
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad is one of the oldest & biggest art complexes in Bangalore. It was established in 1960 with the objective of conducting art exhibitions at all levels. The central, state governments & the UNESCO provide financial and other support to the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad. It is a landmark for visual culture. It comprises of a network of Museums, Galleries, Archive that stores Indian Visual Culture that includes Folk, Traditional, Modern and Contemporary Art and Artists.
Since five decades Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, as an ’Art Complex’ has been hosting exhibitions, organizing camps, workshops and conducting national & international level art exhibitions. Renowned art personalities of the country, like Karl Khandalwala, Mulkraj Anand, G. Venkatachalam, Prof.K.G.Subramanyan, M.F.Hussain, K.K.Hebbar etc have visited CKP & have been positive about its contribution to the art community.
Prof. M.S.Nanjunda Rao the art tutor, Principal and General Secretary was the soul behind KCP. Artists who added towards the collection and creation of artworks from various art forms, in support of KCP were Nicholas and Svetoslav Roerich, S.S.Kukke, Krishna Reddy, H.K.Khejriwal (art connoisseur who donated a sumptuous body of historic modern Indian artworks to KCP’s permanent collection) among others.
CKP has also been successfully running the College of Fine Arts, affiliated to Bangalore University and is currently an Autonomous body with a NAAC accreditation of B++. The ever growing art related institution plans to initiate PhD research programs & has programs to provide art training to those who cannot afford a full time & are professionals in other streams of culture. Short term evening art education & the summer art classes for children is very successful.
‘Chitra Santhe’ (Art Mart) is the most interesting & informative mega annual event organized by KCP. This art festival will be held on the last Sunday of January, every year within the art complex showcases original artworks of artists which are on display for viewing and purchase. Books, prints and publications about artists & artworks, published both from KCP as well from other agencies are also available.
I have been regularly visiting Art Mart from past seven years. I have purchased several paintings & fortunate to meet many artists & art lovers. The Chitra Santhe has in store something for every art lover. The Art Mart was started with the idea of making the common man a part of art. At Art Mart the art lovers can find good quality art at affordable prices. Last January Over 1400 amateur and professional artists across the country participated in the Art Mart.
CKP has a large collection of traditional Indian paintings; it has a number of different, themed galleries and studios, including the Roerich gallery. There are a number of exhibit halls, in the first floor of CKP there is Roerich & Kejriwal gallery. The paintings of Nicholas Roerich have been placed in two different galleries called Roerich I and II. Also on exhibit here are numerous local artifacts from India & many seasonal events take place.
CKP offers art lovers an opportunity to view and purchase contemporary Indian art from across India. The gallery’s wide selection of Indian paintings, prints, sculptures and folk art provide a glimpse into the inspirations of leading and upcoming Indian artists.
The CKP is open to the public on all days between 10 am and 5 pm.
For the art lover this is a must see place.
(In the Picture : With His Excellency Sri Hans Raj Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka on the Occasion of World Environment Day at Chitrakala Parishath)