Mangaluru: The state-level Cement Sculpture Camp jointly organised by the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, under the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka, and Mandd Sobhann concluded with the inauguration of the sculptures and a valedictory ceremony at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar, on June 26.
The 15-day camp, held from June 12 to 26, brought together sculptors from across Karnataka to create permanent artworks celebrating the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka and Goa.
Sculptures dedicated to the public
The completed sculptures were dedicated to the public by chief guest Vincent Cutinha, proprietor of Provit Foods Pvt. Ltd., Mangaluru, and a noted patron of the arts, who inaugurated the installations by cutting the ribbon.
The newly unveiled artworks include a 15-foot-tall hand holding a Gumott, a sculpture of renowned Konkani cultural icon Eric Ozario, a poet, a Kharvi fisherman, a boatman, a Daldi artist playing the Duff, musicians playing the violin, veena and trumpet, Mando and Baila dancers, and playwrights.
The artists also created six cement murals depicting important cultural themes, including the Goa migration to Mangaluru, the Kudubi community’s Dori Khell, Monthi Fest, Navayath Muslim culture, the Car Street chariot, and the vibrant Goa Carnival, adding a distinctive artistic appeal to Kalaangann.
Call to preserve traditional art forms
Addressing the gathering, Vincent Cutinha observed that sculptures and cave paintings created centuries ago continue to inspire and communicate with people today, demonstrating the timeless value of artistic craftsmanship.
He stressed the importance of encouraging artists and preserving traditional art forms at a time when modern influences continue to reshape artistic expression.
Delivering the valedictory address, former Chairman of the Central Lalit Kala Akademi, C. S. Krishna Setty, described sculpture as the highest form of artistic expression, quoting the ancient phrase “Kalanam Pravaram Shilpam”, meaning sculpture is the greatest among all arts.
He said India’s magnificent temples, monuments and sculptures stand as enduring symbols of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Referring to the evolution of cement sculpture in India, he noted that iconic works such as Santhal Family and Sujata at Shantiniketan have inspired generations of sculptors and established cement sculpture as a unique artistic medium.
Sculptors felicitated
During the ceremony, the organisers felicitated camp director K. Narayana Rao of Shivamogga, along with the senior and assistant sculptors, in recognition of their contributions to the successful completion of the camp.
The valedictory programme was presided over by M. C. Ramesh, President of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy.
Among those present were Joachim Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, and Tharanath Gatti, President of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, who conveyed their best wishes.
Louis J. Pinto, President of Mandd Sobhann, welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. Kumar Y., Camp Convener, proposed the vote of thanks, while Vitori Karkal compered the programme.
The state-level sculpture camp concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving traditional art forms and promoting Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through public art.
