Preserve local art and originality says researcher

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 07, 2018: Stressing upon the art enthusiasts to seriously focus on art appreciation, researcher Dr Pundikai Ganapaiah Bhat stressed on the importance of preserving the indigenous style of architecture and local art forms, without contaminating them with other styles.

 

While delivering the keynote address during the national seminar on ‘Art and Cultural Heritage of Coastal Karnataka and Evolution of Modern Art in the Coastal District of Karnataka’ organised by Mangalore University
N G Pavanje chair in fine arts, in association with Karnataka Lalithakala Academy, at Roshni Nilaya here, Bhat opined that the line drawings on the rocks at Gavali, in Udupi, 2,500 years ago, is considered to be the oldest known art work, in Tulunadu.

“In a way, the face paintings in ‘Yakshagana’ and ‘Bhootaradhane’ could be termed as the authentic art of the region,” he said

“It is very difficult to pinpoint to the authentic architecture of the coastal region as the influence of Kerala architecture and mixture of Chola and Chalukya architectures is seen in the temples of the region.” He further noted that the original form of architecture was lost during the renovation of many temples.

Dr Anasuya Pavanje, artist late Narahari Gopalakrishna Pavanje’s (N G Pavanje) daughter and former secretary of Karnataka Craft Council, inaugurated the seminar.

She said that though her father had experimented on various medium of art, he was more into realistic art.

Prof M J Kamalakshi, president, Karnataka Lalithakala Academy, delivered the introductory remarks. She said,

“Art is not a stagnant entity. Exchange of ideas should take place in the field of art.”

Stressing on the need to preserve traditional art forms like Kavi art,” she said.

“The Chitrakala Parishat is providing scholarships to budding artists,” she added.

Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K Byrappa and Karnataka Lalitakala Academy Registrar Dr Indramma H V were present on the occasion.

Senior artist P S Punchittaya and Artiste Forum (Udupi) President Ramesh Rao were the guests of honour.

Sessions on various topics related to the theme of the seminar, were conducted on the occasion.

An exhibition on modern art was also held.