Mangaluru: From concept-based paintings and ballpoint pen art to acrylics, watercolours, spot portrait paintings and traditional mural works, a wide spectrum of creativity was on display at Kala Parba, organised as part of Karavali Utsava by the district administration and Sharadhi Prathishtana at Kadri Park. The event brought together professional artists, self-taught creators, students and hobbyists, offering visitors a vibrant glimpse into contemporary and traditional art practices.
The exhibition featured individual stalls by artists from different backgrounds, reflecting how art continues to thrive across professions and age groups. Many of the participants spoke about art as a form of expression, stress relief and cultural preservation, while also highlighting the need for greater public awareness and support for artists.
Concept-based paintings with poetry
Among the notable participants was Dr Sangeetha C S, a paediatrician by profession, who presented a series of concept-based paintings, each accompanied by an original poem. Originally from Bengaluru and currently working locally, she said painting and poetry were integral to her personal and creative life.
“Painting and writing poems are my hobbies, passions and stress busters,” she said, explaining that she consciously integrates visual art with literature. According to her, prolonged engagement with a concept helps deepen perception and thought. “After months of thinking about a concept, when I start painting, a poem automatically comes to my mind,” she explained. Her works employ a mix of acrylics, watercolours and ballpoint pens, blending textures and ideas.
Twins display contrasting styles
Twins Jayashri Sharma and Dr Jayaprakash, both self-taught artists, showcased their works in separate stalls, highlighting distinct artistic approaches despite shared beginnings. Jayashri, who previously taught microbiology at a college, said she turned fully to painting after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Her paintings focus largely on culture and traditional art forms, often incorporating sculptural motifs in the background. Adding a generational dimension to her stall, her son Ankit Sharma, a Class 6 student, also exhibited his paintings alongside hers.
Her twin brother, Dr Jayaprakash, an Ayurveda doctor, said he paints during his free time. He uses coloured ballpoint pens to create detailed portrait drawings, demonstrating how unconventional tools can yield striking artistic results.
Nature-inspired and impressionistic works
Housewife-turned-artist Kurshid Yakub, who has been painting for over 30 years, displayed impressionistic artworks created using acrylics. Most of her paintings draw inspiration from nature, with layered colours used to create depth and movement.
“I use colour over colour to bring depth to the artwork,” she said, adding that while the response from visitors had been encouraging, more awareness and appreciation for art exhibitions were needed to support artists consistently.
Sketches, doodles and miniature models
Banker Arun Karanth presented works made using micron pen sketches. He shared that maintaining a daily sketching practice had helped him refine his skills. “I practise one sketch every day. As I work in Bengaluru and my family is settled here, I sketch while travelling by train,” he said.
Quick-format art also found representation through doodle portraits by Magima Pugal, a visual designer who completes a sketch within two minutes, drawing steady crowds intrigued by the speed and precision of her work.
Artists Rahul P Shetty, Vikas G K and Suman showcased oil paintings, animated-style artworks and nature-inspired models. Suman also displayed a coin-sized model of a pili mande, or tiger head, which drew attention for its intricate detailing despite its small size.
Traditional art forms and student participation
Rajan Madai from Kannur exhibited Kerala mural paintings, a traditional art form depicting themes from Hindu mythology. He explained that completing a single mural painting takes about a month due to the meticulous process involved. Kerala murals are fresco-style works known for their layered pigments, deep hues and intricate detailing. “The response has been good,” he said.
In addition to individual artists, the exhibition featured kaavi art, resin art, custom hand-painted sarees and artworks by students of Mahalasa College. Students from the Canara Bank-sponsored C E Kamath Institute for Artisans conducted live demonstrations of wood and stone carving, as well as metal craft, giving visitors insight into traditional artisan skills.
Conclusion
Kala Parba emerged as a vibrant platform celebrating both contemporary creativity and traditional craftsmanship. By bringing together artists from varied professions and backgrounds, the exhibition underlined the role of art as a unifying cultural force and highlighted the need for sustained support to nurture creative talent across the region.