The ancient ruins of Badami, a UNESCO hotspot in Karnataka, continue to draw artists.
Five artists from Karnataka visited Badami for a week last December. Inspired by the rocks, they got busy with their paints and brushes. The result was showcased recently at an exhibition in Bengaluru titled “Badami Stories”. The paintings presented diverse perspectives on the historical and natural beauty of Badami. Inviting visitors to appreciate its significance through the work of artists who found inspiration in its landscapes and structures.
The work was of five artists - Chetan C S, Madhu Kumar, Mahesh Honule, Ramesh Jhawar, and Shirish Deshpande. They showcased through art their journey in the historic and picturesque sites of Badami, Pattadakal, and Aihole.
Artist Gurudas Shenoy and Dr. Pramila Lochan, art historian and writer, inaugurated the exhibition
The inspiration for this exhibition came from the artists' visit to these historically significant places in December 2022. During the week-long visit, they immersed themselves in the local culture, painting, and discussions, leading to a collective decision to share their experiences with a wider audience.
In February 2023, they booked the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC) Art Gallery, committing several months to preparing their artworks. The choice of Badami was no accident; it holds great historical importance. Aihole, often referred to as the cradle of Indian architecture, serves as the starting point. Badami, in turn, represents a higher level of skill development, and Pattadakal showcases master-level craftsmanship.
The artists' paintings offer a different perspective on Badami, focusing on the monumental rock structures that were used to create exquisite temples, houses, and lakes during ancient times.
Despite their dedication to capturing the essence of Badami, the artists faced challenges like the unpredictable weather, finding suitable locations to paint from specific angles, dealing with the harsh sun, and managing distractions from curious onlookers.
Shirish Deshpande, one of the five artists, said, “We have made multiple visits at different times of the day to determine the best lighting conditions.”
The artists hope that their exhibition will change visitors' perspectives of Badami and its beauty by showcasing the unique angles and views they have captured.
The majority of the paintings showcased in the exhibition were in watercolors and the visitors admired it. Pramila Lochan commended the use of watercolors as a medium, highlighting the artists' quick and skillful execution.
One artist-visitor said that the spot paintings were praiseworthy. Sridhar Comaravalli, a freelance cartoonist, said that while the themes were repeated, each artist had a distinct style as compared to his fellow artists. He said, “They have achieved remarkable depth with watercolors.”
Visitors said that they found the art appealing. Shikha Garg, a watercolor artist from Bangalore, appreciated the on-the-spot paintings for their authenticity in capturing the essence of Badami.
Gurudas Shenoy, a painter and muralist, found the exhibition fascinating because it showcased the artists' emotional connection with the landscapes of Badami. He emphasized that each artist's unique style added depth to the experience, even when they painted the same spot.
Reflecting on the evolution of the art scene in Bangalore over the years, Gurudas Shenoy said that there have been significant changes since the 1970s. While earlier art activities were centered in Udupi, Bangalore has since become a hub for art exhibitions, festivals and camps. He said, “Artists have traveled abroad, contributing to the evolution and growth of the art scene in the city.”
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