Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 13: A 15-day state-level cement sculpture camp, organized jointly by the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, Bengaluru and Mandd Sobhann, commenced on June 12 at Kalaangann.
Inaugurating the camp, M C Ramesh, president of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, expressed concern over the decline of traditional handicrafts and the shrinking number of art schools. He noted that the academy is working to provide numerous opportunities to artists. "Ordinary cement, stone, and sand can be transformed into magnificent works of art. I urge you to enjoy this creative process. May your sculptures enhance the charm of Kalaangann, a place that holds immense artistic significance," he said, extending his best wishes to the participants.
Delivering the welcome and introductory address, Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto shared the vision behind the venue. "Kalaangann was born with the aspiration that it should not merely be a building, but a sanctuary to celebrate art. Today, it stands recognized as a vibrant center for artistic exploration. We are grateful that the Shilpakala Academy has stepped forward to further beautify this space. Congratulations to all the artists joining hands in this creative endeavor," he said.
Camp director K Narayana Rao, along with Mandd Sobhann office-bearers Rony Crasta and Naveen Lobo, were present on the dais.
The inaugural programme commenced with a soulful rendition of the 'Vishwamanava Geethe' on the flute by artist Baburao Nadoni. Kumar Y, academy member and camp convenor, proposed the vote of thanks, while Vitori Karkal compered the event.
During the 15-day camp, the participating sculptors will create vibrant artworks using cement as a medium, specifically focusing on depicting the rich diversity of various Konkani communities.
The camp features a talented roster of artists from across the state including senior sculptors Baburao V Nadoni & Kumar Babu Ghasti (Belagavi), Venugopal V (Davanagere), Anand Kumar (Davanagere), Vijay Konnur (Bagalkot), Hanumantha Balappa Gaddi (Gadag), Bhimasi Hanamavva Bagewadi (Vijayapura), B S Kumaraswamy (Chitradurga), Manjunatha D Barki & Mariyappa D Honnammanavar (Haveri), Ningaraj M Vannur (Belagavi), C V Ramakrishna (Shivamogga), Parashuram H (Shivamogga) along with assistant sculptors Basappa Hanumantha Sunnala (Belagavi), Sanjeeva Reddy Soradera (Dharwad),Theerthachar R K (Chitradurga), Vinay Kumbar G (Chitradurga), Devu B (Shivamogga), Prakruthi H P (Shivamogga), Manohara G (Davanagere), Akshata Ani (Davanagere), Shringara M Barki (Haveri), Naveen Kumar Vaddar (Bagalkot), Karthik & Suvith S Pattar.