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Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 920 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival. The works of over 200 paintings and 20 sculptures by 155 artists were exhibited recently at the Bangalore International Centre. See our coverage of earlier exhibitions at this popular cultural hub here. The exhibition was an educational fundraiser called Kala for Vidya, organised by the Rotary Club of Bangalore. The funds are intended to support the education of around 450 underserved children at the Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya in Nagdevanahalli. The showcased artworks from the 18th annual edition of the fundraiser will also be on sale via Rotary Club of Bangalore's online platform till the end of the year. See our earlier coverage of the 2024 and 2022 fundraisers. The artist lineup, some of whose works are featured in this photo essay series, includes HR Das, Dheeraj Kumar, Alankar Immaculate Mary, Makinidi Srinivasa Ram, Vanaja Bal, Henna Bajaj, Gangadhar, Kanthimathy J, and Sathya Gowthaman. “This exhibition was a great experience, it gave me the opportunity to meet different kinds of art enthusiasts. I could connect directly with art lovers, fellow artists and art collectors,” Odisha artist Sudhir Meher tells YourStory. His unique painting style with intricate works and bright colours was well-received. “The art is realistic yet with a contemporary touch in my style,” he describes. The artistic journey can be long and arduous, with many pitfalls and setbacks. “Every failed painting or composition reveals something that needs to be changed, whether it is colour, harmony, perspective, timing, or emotion,” Meher explains. Artworks should be treated as exploration and practice. “The goal is not always to be perfect or to sell the art. When an artist removes such mental pressure, then real discovery happens,” he suggests. “From time to time, artists have to look back at their previous paintings. They need to see clear evidence of growth, stroke balance, and confidence to improve and move on to the next work,” Meher says. Attending workshops, viewing demos, and studying nature helps improve inner creation. “These are some factors for artists to follow to learn and move ahead,” he adds. He also offers tips for aspiring artists. “Artists must have interest, patience and learning to develop themselves. Growth takes time, the way seasons shape stones,” he says. “Listen to others but never let their chaos drown your inner spirits. Feedback and criticism sharpen your mind but should not break your inner thought,” he explains. Artists should not expect overnight fame or perfection “Each mistake and each unfinished dream is a step towards the truth. Connect to art communities and learn about the deepest creative thoughts of experienced artists,” Meher advises. Artists should practice different types of forms and mediums. “With more hard work and dedication, success will come,” he adds. “The feedback at the exhibition was overwhelming. Viewers resonated deeply with the paintings,” Bengaluru-based artist Banani Kundu recalls (see our coverage of her earlier solo exhibition here). One of her paintings depicted the struggle of a rickshaw puller. “Viewers mentioned that the black and white pallete effectively conveyed the pain and hardship,” she explains. “The cracked texture added a layer of realism, symbolising the unevenness of their lives. It was heartwarming to see how the artworks touched viewers,” she adds. She is working on a new series of artworks. “They continue to explore the themes that inspire me most – emotion, connection and personal growth. I want to experiment more with colours, textures and layering techniques to bring more depth and feeling to my work,” Kundu says. “We should leverage art as an important carrier of our history and culture. Such art should be promoted widely across mainstream and social media,” Kundu signs off. Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world? (All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Bangalore International Centre.)
