Mangaluru: Modepu: Contributions of Late Artists to Modern Art – An Introduction, a publication by Art Kanara Trust, has been awarded the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy Book Award for 2022–2023. This recognition celebrates the book’s deep dive into the evolution of visual art in coastal Karnataka.

The book sheds light on the vital yet often forgotten contributions of past artists who shaped the region’s art scene. It profiles the lives and artistic journeys of 34 key figures, including Pavanje Gopalakrishnaiah, NG Pavanje, Shivarama Karanth, KK Hebbar, LK Shevgoor, BG Mohammad, and others.

Modepu emerged from a major curatorial project held in November 2022, jointly organized by Art Kanara Trust and INTACH (Mangaluru chapter), along with the NG Pavanje Chair for Visual Arts at Mangalore University. Exhibitions showcasing original works and rare archives were held at Kodialguthu Center for Art & Culture in Mangaluru and Drishti Art Gallery in Udupi, with support from the Artists’ Forum.

Published in February 2023, the 243-page book was authored by artist Janardhan Havanje. It features a compelling foreword by art critic HA Anil Kumar, who stressed the value of documenting regional art as a counter to mainstream narratives.

Art historian Nemiraj Shetty and artist Rajendra Kedige led the book’s research, editing, and design. Harish Kodialbail and Reshma S Shetty coordinated both the exhibitions and publication. Guidance was provided by Subhash Chandra Basu, INTACH convener and Art Kanara Trust president.

The project was supported by the Shenoy Art Foundation, Bengaluru. The award will be presented on Friday at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru.

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