The scenic Kadri Park in Mangaluru underwent a spectacular transformation, bursting into a vibrant tapestry of colors, creative expressions, and lively discussions. This metamorphosis was powered by Kala Parba, a premier art event organized as a key component of the Karavali Utsava by the district administration in collaboration with Sharadhi Prathishtana. The festival successfully united artists from diverse backgrounds, turning the park into a dynamic celebration of artistic endeavor.
A Melting Pot of Artistic Styles and Mediums
The venue buzzed with an infectious creative energy, offering an almost overwhelming variety of art forms. From thought-provoking, concept-driven paintings and intricate ballpoint pen art to bold acrylic works and delicate sculptures, there was something to captivate every visitor. Attendees actively participated, with many getting their portraits sketched on the spot. Children dove into the experience with enthusiasm, trying their hands at painting, while artists roamed the grounds, engaging with and appreciating each other's creations.
The diversity of talent was remarkable. Dr. Sangeeta CS, a paediatrician from Bengaluru working in Mangaluru, presented a series of concept-based paintings, each uniquely paired with a poem. She revealed that stress acts as a catalyst for her creativity, embedding a deep, underlying meaning in every piece. Her process involves prolonged contemplation of a theme, which eventually gives birth to both a visual artwork and a poetic companion, using mediums from acrylics and watercolours to simple ballpoint pens.
Stories from the Canvas: Artists Share Their Journey
The event highlighted compelling personal journeys. Veteran artist Kurshid Yakub, a housewife-turned-painter with over three decades of experience, displayed beautiful impressionistic acrylic paintings largely inspired by the natural world. While she found the response at Kala Parba encouraging, she also pointed to a need for greater public awareness about such art forms.
Demonstrating how art thrives in everyday life, banker Arun Karanth showcased a series of engaging artworks, many of which were born during his train journeys between Mangaluru and Bengaluru. Committed to his craft, he practices one sketch daily, turning his weekend train travel into productive hours of painting and sketching.
The exhibition also featured rapid doodle portraits by visual designer Magimaa Pugal. Artists like Rahul P Shetty, Vikas GK, and Suman added further layers with oil paintings, animated-style artworks, and nature-based models. Suman's coin-sized pili mande (tiger head) model became a particular point of interest, claimed to be Kudla's first-ever coin-size version of the traditional artifact.
Celebrating Tradition and Intergenerational Talent
A touch of traditional mastery was added by Rajan Madai from Kannur, who displayed exquisite Kerala mural paintings, noting that each piece takes nearly a month to complete. The festival also celebrated familial and intergenerational talent. Self-taught twin artists Jayashri Sharma, a former microbiology lecturer, and her brother Jayaprakash, an ayurveda doctor, showcased their works in separate stalls. Jayashri devoted herself fully to painting after the lockdown, creating works rich in cultural motifs with sculptural forms in the background. Her son, Ankit Sharma, continued this artistic lineage by exhibiting his own paintings.
Beyond paintings, the venue was enriched by exhibitions of kaavi art, resin art, custom hand-painted sarees, and various handicrafts. A special highlight was the live demonstration by students from the Canara Bank-sponsored CE Kamath Institute for Artisans, who captivated visitors with their skills in wood carving, stone carving, and metal craft. In total, the vibrant event hosted about 127 stalls, making it a comprehensive and unforgettable showcase of the region's artistic spirit.
