By Shobha Rao Smilemaker

Udupi, Jun 16: 'So which mask are you wearing today?'

This was the caption at the first counter as we entered the exhibition of masks from around the world at the Aditi Gallery Udipi....and above these words was a Mirror! This introspective message made us suddenly aware of the different facades our natural face is capable of putting up in front of different people that camouflage our true emotions or motives.

The inaugural address to the mixed audience of art lovers and press members on June 16 evening was given by Sri Astro Mohan, a renowned photographer. Dr Kiran Acharya, the Managing Trustee of Aditi gallery had personally gathered many of the masks from his travels over 20 years, to more than 100 destinations from around the world.

This wonderful exhibition was inaugurated by Kurma Rao, deputy commissioner of Udipi, who unveiled the mask with the mask. Pratima Kiran gave the vote of thanks.

Later Kurma Rao was shown all the exhibits and listened to the unique story that every mask had to tell.

There was an interesting set of 18 ancient masks from Sri Lanka associated 18 different health conditions. A British medical records journal had acknowledged this as one of the oldest documented history of medical conditions with seperate masks depicting various medical conditions like vomiting, fever, worms, flatulence, insanity, etc.

Getting to know more about the enigmatic world of masks could increase our understanding of human culture. The exhibition showcased the good luck masks used in India outside the main door for protection against the evil forces. (In contrast in China some masks were feared as they were believed to attract the evil spirits).

Exhibitions like this would especially help the new generation to become practically aware of the rich culture and heritage of different regions. Nepal has a widespread use of masks in daily life. We could imagine the amazing tribal rituals in Africa or South America when we saw the colourful masks of those far off places.

Shri Arvind Vysaraya Ballal, art connoisseur from Mumbai was the guest of honour. Some of the antique masks from Shri Arvind's collection were also on display. Eg. An original yakshagana mask that was handmade and hand painted by Artisans is now a real treasure. Skilled craftsmen who made such masks may no longer exist, thanks to the cheap replicas of machine made masks, flooding the commercial markets.

We also saw masks associated with celebrations like the ones from Italy when the whole city would dress up with masks for the festive parade.

Practically, masks have been worn since long for disguise, healing or protection. Ironically this exhibition made us realize that there is more to masks than just being a preventive way against the covid virus.

The exhibition surely increased our awareness of the larger than life depictions of diffent kinds of masks made of different kinds of material like metal, wood or papier mache.

This gallery in its ninth year has always been in the forefront for encouragement of a.d.i.t.i. which is an acronym for arts, dance, imaging, theatre, interactions. Do visit this exhibition which is on till 19th June and explore the wonder of the world of masks.

Shobha Rao Smilemaker has a vision of living in a world where people use their ability to find and make smiles in any situation. She is a lawyer by qualification, a soft skills trainer by passion, a motivational speaker, a freelance journalist, a bestselling author, an avid traveler and founder of 'Smilemakers Trainings'. She can be contacted at www.shobhasmilemaker.com.