Mangaluru: Renowned artist and veteran art teacher Syed Asif Ali passes away at 54

Mangaluru: Renowned artist and veteran art teacher Syed Asif Ali passes away at 54

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 6, 2026: Renowned artist and veteran art teacher Syed Asif Ali (54) passed away on Monday afternoon, January 5, 2026, due to a sudden cardiac arrest while on duty at Mahalasa College of Visual Art, Alake, Mangaluru. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Born on February 8, 1972, at Molakalmuru village in Chitradurga district, he obtained a General Diploma in Fine Art from Ravindra Kalaniketana, Tumakuru, in 1995, and a Master of Visual Art (MVA) degree from Kannada University, Hampi, in 2008. He joined Mahalasa College of Visual Art in 1996 and was serving as Head of the Department of Applied Art at the time of his demise.

An accomplished artist, Syed Asif Ali was widely known for his distinctive and vibrant watercolour landscape paintings, mostly created on location. A dedicated and inspiring teacher, he was highly regarded by students for his personal guidance. Over his three-decade-long career, he participated in several national and regional exhibitions, including the Mysuru Dasara exhibition on ten occasions and Karnataka Lalithakala Academy exhibitions five times. He also trained students at numerous art camps and was the recipient of several prestigious honours, including the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy State Award, the Camlin National Award, and nine Mysuru Dasara Awards.

His mortal remains were kept for public homage at Mahalasa College of Visual Art and Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture on Monday evening, before being taken to his native Molakalmuru for traditional burial. The Mangaluru chapter of INTACH and Art Kanara Trust have expressed deep condolence over the demise of the veteran artist.