Tracing an artistic journey

golden jubilee

Karnataka has always been a flourishing centre for the arts. The traditional Mysore paintings encouraged by the Wadiyars or the Surpur art form that blossomed in the Vijayanagar empire — are all inherent part of Karnataka’s art heritage. Right from the times of royalty to the contemporary days, art has evolved and has held a special place amid patrons.

And one such form of legacy we can witness even today is the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP) situated in Bengaluru. What was first established as Mysore Regional Chitrakala Parishath in 1960, officially came to be known as Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in the year 1972. It was the result of the suggestion by then chief minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah that a forum be formed to bring together all the artists in the State.
In 1960, CKP saw a humble beginning, having begun functioning from the house of M Aryamurthy, an artist, in Malleswaram. It was inaugurated by artist Svetoslav Roerich. It was in 1976, that the then chief minister Devaraj Urs granted it its present premises on Kumara Krupa Road in Bangalore.

The beginnings
It was in 1963 that the first all-India painting exhibition was organised under the aegis of CKP. Till date, 16 such exhibtions have been organised. And until 1978, the exhibitions used to be organised in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha. In 1968, renowned researcher G Venkatachalam suggested the idea of collecting Mysore traditional paintings and CKP began working towards it. Later, they received funds from the State government to collect paintings and puppets.

The CKP has been the interest of several well-known artists and art historians like Ratan Parimoo, K G Subramanyan and Janakiram. It has also been visited by litterateurs like Mulk Raj Anand, Ha Ma Nayaka, Pupul Jayakar and the like. It grew with the patronage of several well-known artists like M Veerappa and K Venkatappa. Today, CKP is the proud owner of traditional printmaker paintings, sculptures, folk art, puppetry and a grand open-air theatre. As famous as it is for its art collection, it is also equally known for the art education it imparts and its artistic publications.

The College of Fine Arts is an indispensable part of CKP. Started in 1964, it initially offered a 5-year diploma course in fine arts and was affiliated to the Department of Public Instruction. It was in 1966 that the Centre and the State Lalithakala Akademis officially recognised the institution. It has now completed a proud 50 years of coming into existence. Art, commercial art, sculpture making, printing, art history, photography and poster making are what students learn here. They now also offer a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a PhD. Two staff members of the college guide the doctoral candidates.

Prof M S Nanjunda Rao was the founder secretary of CKP and M Aryamurthy was the founder president. Nanjunda Rao was instrumental in the daily operations of the institution and most of the faculty of the College of Fine Arts happen to be his direct disciples. He was the one who made it possible for CKP to have the prized collection of Mysore paintings and leather puppetry. He was also responsible for the meaningful publication of books, collections, workshops and seminars. Aryamurthy too was active in getting eminent personalities like Y Subramanya Raju to teach at CKP.

Prof M J Kamalakshi, who is an alumnus of CKP herself, has this to say about her experience over the years: “The institution has developed from being a small room to this extent. It used to give out Diplomas in the beginning. But it slowly transitioned to giving out as much as a master’s degree in the 1990s. I have seen the institution transition from 1971 to 2002 in various capacities — as a secretary, joint secretary and a trustee. The change has been phenomenal. Earlier, our students would go to Shantiniketan in West Bengal or the art school in Baroda for higher education. But we are now self-sufficient.”

Suresh Jayaram, also a former professor at CKP has much to say about it, “My most fond memories of CKP are those of teaching my students under a tree.” As a teacher of art history, he believes that CKP needs a vision that involves inclusion of artists in a more democratic and practical outlook, making it more competitive.

Indeed, the last 5 decades have been eventful in many ways with respect to its growth and development. “And the next step that is being undertaken by the institution is a huge one that will change its face in many ways,” reckons D K Chowta, general secretary of the executive committee of CKP. The College of Fine Arts will see a new campus in the next 5 years on the outskirts of the City. Currently under construction, the campus will comprise hostels, museum, library, auditorium and essential staff quarters. This is by far the most ambitious project undertaken by CKP thus far.

Art for mart
Another project on similar lines, is to have a museum containing an exclusive Karnataka artists gallery. They also intend to have more cultural and intellectual activities such as book releases and seminars on art and culture. There are currently 4 galleries for exhibition, and they will see an increase in number soon. The gallery in CKP, B L Shankar, president of the executive committee, says, is one of its most unique aspects. Unlike other art galleries in the country, CKP takes no sales commission from the artists.
“Another aspect is the Art Mart or sales counter, where 3 works by an artist are kept free of cost for 3 months and a commission is taken from them only if a sale is made. Otherwise, the works are returned without any charge,” he explains. “But the biggest challenge we are facing at this point in time is mobilising money and infusing new blood into CKP. It is a rare example where artists and administrators come together,” Shankar adds.

The Chitra Santhe that has been happening for the last 10 years is a landmark event where hundreds of upcoming artists are given a chance to showcase their creations. In fact, over the last 3 years, the occupancy of the gallery has gone beyond 95% and the waiting list has moved up to 8 months. The incidence of artists from abroad have also increased. From January 2017, 2 of the galleries will be reserved only for art exhibitions and not for crafts. The institution also proposes to have a national artists’ camp as the employment opportunities have also increased.

In present day Bengaluru, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath for most people is about the handicraft fairs, cultural programmes, and the Bengaluru Festival that is held there annually. However, it would benefit us to know that there is much more to this institution than what we know it for.