Contemplations and Dialogue’: Lalitkala awardees’ art exhibition opens to acclaim

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, 5 May 2024: Bringing artistic brilliance into focus, the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in collaboration with Art Kanara Trust, inaugurated the group exhibition titled Contemplations and Dialogue at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, G.G. Road, Ballalbagh, on Sunday, May 4. The exhibition showcases works by three acclaimed Mangaluru-based artists—Veena Srinivas, Syed Asif Ali and Rajendra Kedige—who were recently honoured by the Karnataka Lalitkala Academy. The show is open to the public daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM until May 14, 2025.

Veteran artist and filmmaker Madhusudhan Kumar, who presided over the preview event, praised the honourees for channelling deep personal and social insights through their art. “Artists may be apolitical, but their work speaks powerfully. It’s inspiring to see Mangalorean artists being recognised for such meaningful expression,” he noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcoming the gathering, INTACH convener and President of Art Kanara Trust, Subhas Chandra Basu expressed pride in the achievements of the featured artists. “This is a proud moment for Mangaluru’s art scene. Having three state-recognised artists from our city is a significant milestone. We at INTACH and Art Kanara Trust are privileged to collaborate with these talented individuals,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

The three artists were felicitated at the event. Veena Srinivas displayed contemporary interpretations of Kaavi Kale, a traditional coastal art form. “From an early age, I felt a strong calling to preserve this ancient art form. It holds deep meaning for our community,” she said.

Syed Asif Ali exhibited a series of watercolour landscapes rich in mood and detail, reflecting his refined technique. A respected mentor to many emerging artists, his works stand out for their depth and sensitivity. Rajendra Kedige presented abstract works rooted in geometry, offering a poetic interplay of form and feeling, which are hallmarks of his distinctive style.