80 works, 22 artists, 3 generations, 5 days: how the Oorja exhibition celebrates art and donates to a worthy cause

In this three-part photo essay, we showcase some of the outstanding art works from the Oorja exhibition, and share insights from the curator and artists.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 270 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.

Bengaluru-based art curator MG Doddamani recently put together a vibrant art exhibition called Oorja (‘energy’ in Sanskrit). The five-day show, held at the Taj West End, captures a wide range of creative expressions, styles and themes, as shown in Part I of this photo essay (Part II and Part III feature more creative works and artist insights).

The 80 works representing 22 artists are drawn from across India, and are raising funds for Stree Jagriti Samiti, in support of those working in unorganised sectors. The art works are priced from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2.5 lakhs. The artists are from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mysuru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Hubli, Tumkur, and Chennai.

The artist lineup features Ashu Gupta, Babita Saxena, Jyoti Gupta, Kanthi V, Neelam Malhotra, Nivedita Gouda, Ritu Chawla Mathur, Rosh Ravindran, Vanaja Bal, Venkataraman R, SG Vasudev, KT Shivprasad, Sachin Jaltare, Gurudas Shenoy, Basuki Das Gupta, Prabhu Harsoor, Rama Suresh, Shivakumar Kesaramadu, Sujata Harish, Vishnukumar S, and JMS Mani.

MG Doddamani grew up in Gulbarga, and studied art at Gulbarga University and Shantiniketan. His art focuses on issues of nature, environment, sustainability and dignity. He also directs art camps, and has curated over 350 exhibitions in the past 30 years.

“Art is an expression of inner feelings. In a complex society, it is also a responsibility of artists to reflect on life and convey positive messages,” he explained, in a chat with YourStory.

The artists featured in the Oorja show span three generations, and include 10 emerging artists and 12 well-known experts, according to Doddamani. Some of his other shows also include writers, poets and dancers who compose pieces based on the paintings displayed.

He is already working on his next show for the month of December, at the upcoming UGEN Art Gallery on Infantry Road. The new community space is founded by retired police officer Jija Harisingh.

“Success for an artist comes from overcoming difficulties and staying focused on the goal, without losing the desire and ability to work with sincerity. It is all about hard work, there are no short cuts,” explains Doddamani.

“Only art can bring you peace and harmony – it is a form of therapy for the eyes, mind and soul,” he adds, urging audiences to make an effort to appreciate and understand art as well as encourage and support artists.

Now what have you done today to find your real passion and stay the course through the ups and downs of the long journey ahead?

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