Kadri Rocks, a new art gallery, opened its doors to the art lovers of Mangaluru recently.
The gallery is situated opposite Vijaya Clinic on Kadri Kambla Road in the city.
British Documentary Producer and Writer Adam Clapham, who has made Mangaluru his home, was the chief guest. Purushotham Adve, renowned artist and curator, was the guest of honour.
The day began with an art camp, which was organised by Karavali Chitrakala Chavadi and other artists.
The works produced during the art camp were on display during the inauguration.
The gallery will display painting and other works by professional and amateur artists and sculptors. It will also have display and sale of pottery and earthenware, handicrafts and artisan products.
The premises will be available in the future for hosting art camps and art exhibitions, cultural and literary activities like book release functions, writers workshops etc.
Kadri Rocks is housed in a century-old heritage house, owned by D’Souza family of Kadri Kambla for generations. It gained the name ‘Kadri Rocks’ in antiquity due to the presence of large rocks and boulders in the vicinity. It has been retrofitted with various antiquities and heritage items sourced from similar houses of its era.
Apart from the restoration of the old house, the entire compound has been brought alive with abundant greenery, lush green lawns, sculptures and showpieces, monuments and artifacts.
On entering the compound, one is greeted by a beautiful sculpture of the Buddha sitting in deep meditation below a mango tree.
A prime attraction of the campus is an ancient wooden door rescued and restored from a fallen heritage house.
A fountain and a fish pond with a wooden overbridge is yet another feature that appeals to the imagination. Other exhibits on the lawns include imitation cannon, a tall sculpted granite lamp, a mermaid sculpture and a vertical granite monument-fountain. Indeed visiting this place is like entering a museum.
Kadri Rocks Art Gallery is born out of the passionate
efforts of Harsha D’Souza, who decided to open the private sanctum of his family’s abode for the noble cause of promoting art and culture in the city.
“This region is famous for its artistic and cultural heritage. People of our city are blessed with brilliant and creative minds. My objective in starting an art gallery is to nurture talent and provide an outlet for art to bloom,” said Harsha D’Souza.
Kadri Rocks will be open to visitors on all week days from 10 am to 6 pm.