Mangalore: Senior Artist B G Mohammed Honoured at Kadri Park Event
Report coordinated by Richie Lasrado
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
with inputs from correspondents (KM/RD/NR)
Pics by Sphoorti Ullal and Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Nov 26: The name Bolar Ghulam Mohammed may not sound familiar. But the initials BGM or the name B G Mohammed will immediately conjure up a memorable personality in the world of art in Mangalore.
Eightythree-year-old BGM has been a pioneer in both art schools and art exhibitions, right from early 1950s. His students, admirers and well-wishers all got together to accord a public honour to this great artist. What better plank than the Kala Mela 2007 organized by Kudla Kalavali group of artists.
It was a grand finale to the two-day exhibition-cum-sale, undoubtably the very first of its kind to have been held in Mangalore. The traffic on the Kadri park had been blocked for two days by the district authorities to enable the artists to put up their stalls by either side, the venue being quite reminiscent of a village fair.
If the artists' response was anything to go by, there was everything to take heart for, amidst fears of the media and streaks of globalization having devoured the public interest, attention and time. While one wondered if there were so many artists in and around Mangalore, many artists themselves felt that if at all every artist had taken part, the stalls could have spilled over into all surrounding areas.
On the other hand, the public responded so admirably on both days, again a comforting thought there was still a lot of taste left among the people, in spite of inroads of modernity into personal preferences and predilections.
The finale was an emotional event. The organizers were overwhelmed by the response and were happy to see their efforts having borne fruit. For BGM's past students, most of who are themselves accomplished artists now, it was a god-sent opportunity to tell the world what a great personality he has been, while having remained almost unknown to the current generation.
Raghunath Shet of S L Diamond House presided over the function. BGM was felicitated in a fitting manner. Ullal MLA U T Khader, who the chief guest, also spoke on the occasion.
The occasion was also graced by artist Ramadas Adyantaya from Mysore, Ganesh Somayaji, president, ‘Kudla Kalavali’, Dinesh Holla, secretary, Karunakar M H, treasurer and M S Pattar, coordinator.
Success of a programme is largely attributed to confidence and hard work. Programmes should be towards society in order that the ripe fruits of success be enjoyed. No artist should remain a crab in the hole, said Ganesh Rao, chairman of city-based Karavali Group of Colleges.
Felicitating teachers or honouring them is the core feature of the Indianness which constitutes the Indian culture. Praising or flaunting of the rich Indianness through clothes and other worldly things is fit just to phrases and clauses. But, it is the treating of teachers as one among us is the real essence of Indian culture and Indian ness, he added.
It is a soothing fact that soon undivided Dakshina Kannada (DK) would hold artists and art works in both the hands. Artists from undivided DK district would be patronized. Hence, apprehension is just hallucination, he sounded confident, ruling out the common notion that the warm reception may not be accorded to art and related fields in the land of undivided districts.
Artistic Creations In Full Display
Kadri Park, one of city's landmarks as well as the most prominent spots of the city, for two days, however, was not looking like any other normal day. This park which is famously known for its strolling and cooing, whispering lovers on any other day, drew the attention of the entire city for a totally different reason. Hordes of artists descended and assembled here on Saturday and Sunday to exhibit their artistic creations to the city residents at large.
More than 165 stalls with their counters were opened here, displaying the exquisite creations and wares of artists from different parts of the State. Around 200 artists, photographers are participating in this exhibition-cum-sale, which is organized by S S Creations and the artists of undivided Dakshina Kannada district all coming under the banner of ‘Kudla Kalaavali Kalamela.’
This kind of a massive art exhibition is being organized here for the first time. Well-known artists like Permude Mohankumar, Harini, P N Acharya, Chitramitra, photographers Yajnya, Ahmed Anwar, art organizations like Chitrakala Mandira, Udupi, Mahalasa School of Arts and several prominent institutions are participating in this unique exhibition cum sale. Besides, craft and embroidery work was also on display and sale.
One of the rare photographs clicked by Dr Veerendra Heggade during his visit to China was displayed here. The artistic creations ranging anywhere between Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000 could be purchased by art connoisseurs. Thousands of art-lovers flocked to see the various artifacts and creations and many in fact purchased these, without failing to appreciate the artists for their endeavour and talent.
At the same time, some of the regulars to the park like the joggers, strollers and exercise buffs did feel a bit annoyed at their regular routine being disturbed by this exhibition-cum-sale.
Harini in demand
Daijiworld's cartoonist Harishchandra Shetty, known by his pen-name Harini, wappeared to be the most sought after artist around. He had offered to draw spot caricatures of visitors on a 'first-come-first-served' basis. He did not seem to have a single free minute. If there were a large number to get themselves into a cartoon format at his hands, there were even larger crowds having a peek at how the human faces got a cartoon form through the cartoonist's eye.
ALBUM CLICK HERE