When in Bangalore…

The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath on Kumara Krupa Road is having an exhibition of 50 South Indian artists until February 3rd. KN Ramachandran’s tableaus of local markets emanate with life while still belonging to impressionism rather than realism. Francis Bacon meets the Matrix in Bhagyanathan’s rendition of a bicycle coolie in pale hues. Srinivas Reddy’s terracotta of three green creatures replete with devils, hell, torture, and space aliens is unusually successful. If you want to know how contemporary South Indian art is incorporating the modern, the local, and the ethereal without any bewilderment whatsoever go and check out this show. It is a fresh break from the larger Indian art scene even if many of these artists are nationally known.

The Parishath also has an astounding permanent collection on its upper floor: Two rooms of the Roerichs (father and son) and a full suite of Indian twentieth century art starting from the Tagore brothers. Gaganendra Nath Tagore’s lithographs circa 1925 provide a biting commentary on the brahmin hegemony of his times. There are also pen and ink works by Rabindranath Tagore, and watercolors by Abanindranath Tagore. However the heart stealer is a tempera work by Debi Prasad Roy. In the rooms you can view works by Arpita Caur, Ganesh Pyne, Anjolie Ela Menon to name just a few. An entire gallery is dedicated to the New York based world renowned artist Dr. Krishna Reddy’s prints. Don’t miss Insect.

A separate section showcases Mysore paintings known for their gold (leaf/foil/liquid) work. While the themes are from standard Hindu mythology some of the marginal narratives on the works show yogis in highly improbable and sometimes anatomically impossible poses. 18th and 19th century portraits of the Wodeyar ruling family can be found in this section (Mysore painting flourished under their patronage) though it is the small watercolor studies and smaller portraits framing the showcased canvases that demonstrate the delicacy of the artists’ works.

The Parishath grounds are pleasant though the building is extremely unfriendly to wheelchair users and anyone needing easy access since each room is at a different level. The upper floor is badly in need of the renovations that it is currently undergoing. In the meanwhile it would be good to see the security somewhat tightened and the level of illumination improved.