How to find meaning and perspective: meet these three self-taught artists
In this photo essay, we feature the works of three emerging artists from the recent exhibition at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, and share their insights on work and worldview.
PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 275 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.
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru recently hosted solo exhibitions by three self-taught artists: Humera Ali, Vishwanath Appachu, and Charita Dasappa. We feature some of their paintings in this photo essay, along with their insights about purpose, perseverance and perspective.
Humera Ali studied psychology and literature but now devotes herself full-time to art. Her artworks are priced between Rs 10,000 to Rs 80,000 and have been displayed in Bengaluru, Budapest and Dubai. She paints in acrylics and captures the “other” side of development and urbanisation: environmental degradation and pollution.
“Abstract art can make bold, strong and stark statements as compared to natural landscapes,” she explained, in a chat with YourStory. Though 75 percent of the earth is covered with water, only 2.5 percent is fresh water, and a mere 1 percent is accessible for human use.
That makes it all the more important to spread messages about water conservation, preventing deforestation, and reducing landfill waste, says Humera. People should start by acting individually and in groups to protect their local environment. Humera also conducts workshops on art therapy at hospitals where children have had organ transplants.
She offers a number of tips for aspiring artists: accept that making money as an artist is not easy; learn from those senior as well as junior to you; keep learning, teaching and sharing; and form strong opinions and principled stances.
Vishwanath Appachu sees art in the beauty of nature. “Be it in the majestic mountains, the vast seas, or the never ending sky, my heart leaps with joy and my ego dissolves to nothing. Only dreams remain to be materialised on canvas. Art is a deep meditation to me,” he explains.
He sees success as being able to capture and convey a message through art, to show what his inner eye sees. “I try to make people aware about the beauty in even the simple things surrounding us, and make them travel the dream world of art,” Vishwanath adds.
His artworks are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000. “Money will come and go, but the happiness of audience appreciation remains,” he says.
Vishwanath suggests to audiences that they explore how art brings joy, soothes the soul, and relaxes the mind. He advises aspiring artists to have dedication, passion, and experimentation. “There is competition everywhere, so be different. Try to explore like a whale in the ocean, and not a frog in the well,” he jokes.
Charita Dasappa moved from Mysuru to Bengaluru and specialises in figurative abstracts. Her works are priced between Rs 25,000 to Rs 75,000. She advises audiences to visit galleries and spend time immersing in and studying one painting at a time, rather than rushing through the gallery looking for works that easily please the eye.
“Art is a way to explore not just inner feelings and the environment, but the wider universe as well,” she signs off.
Now, what have you done today to step out of your busy life, appreciate the creative force around you, and see a bigger picture of our world?
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