4 min readBengaluruJan 23, 2024 09:11 AM IST
First published on: Jan 22, 2024 at 05:22 PM IST
As far as art collections in Bengaluru go, the conversation is never complete without the mention of the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. From the Roerichs to Amrita Shergill, pieces of art from all over the world have made their home in the heart of the city.
The story of the Chitrakala Parishath starts in 1960. According to B L Shankar, president, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, “Originally the institute started in a plot in Shantinagar and then moved to Malleswaram. The current premises (in Seshadripuram) was given to us by [then] chief minister Devaraj Urs”.
The story of the Chitrakala Parishath starts in 1960. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
From the early days of the institute, major figures in the art world have been its associates. Notably, artist Svatoslav Roerich was a donor of two entire galleries of art currently on display today among the 13) in the museum section of the Parishat, comprising works painted by him and his father Nicholas Roerich.
The galleries of the Roerichs are one of the crown jewels, with both of them having painted extensively on the theme of the Himalayas. Several portraits by Svatoslav also bear close examination, including those of Nehru, and Svatoslav’s wife Devika Rani, one of the first great Indian film heroines. Notably, Nicholas Roerich had met Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi at his home in Himachal Pradesh.
The classical art of Karnataka is also represented by a collection of artwork assembled by Professor M S Nanjunda Rao, founder secretary of the Chitrakala Parishath. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
Another major contributor to the galleries over the years was collector H Kejriwal, who donated paintings, sculptures, and other artworks which form the lion’s share of the galleries. They include pieces by artists such as Amrita Shergill and Gaganendranath Tagore, to name but a few. Another unique collection is a series of 86 works donated by the late artist Krishna Reddy, consisting of abstract graphic prints.
The College of Fine Arts and Bangalore School of Visual Arts are also under its aegis, bringing up the next generation of artists.
Shankar said, “This is the cheapest place for artists to exhibit their works in the display galleries, only charging Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per gallery daily. We don’t take any commission for any artworks sold by the artists also, unlike many private galleries… Usually, we get artists from all over India. The galleries are booked 8 to 10 months in advance. We have also had the Chitra Santhe event annually for the last 21 years”.
The College of Fine Arts and Bangalore School of Visual Arts are also under its aegis, bringing up the next generation of artists. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
He added, “As far as foreign artists are concerned, artists from China, Japan, Australia, Poland and others have had their works displayed here”.
The classical art of Karnataka is also represented by a collection of artwork assembled by Professor M S Nanjunda Rao, founder secretary of the Chitrakala Parishath. These paintings in the Mysore style are in excellent condition for the most part, many of which are between 150 to 200 years old.
The Chitra Santhe event has taken place annually for the last 21 years. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
Also represented is a collection by several international artists from Germany, Japan, and Brazil, as well as sections devoted to the folk artwork of India, such as cloth-stitched sagas from Rajasthan or the art of Jharkhand’s Santhal community.
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is open to visitors on all days of the week, and they can buy an entry ticket to the museum galleries for Rs 10.
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath is open to visitors on all days of the week, and they can buy an entry ticket to the museum galleries for Rs 10. (Express photo by Jithendra M) 
The story of the Chitrakala Parishath starts in 1960. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
The classical art of Karnataka is also represented by a collection of artwork assembled by Professor M S Nanjunda Rao, founder secretary of the Chitrakala Parishath. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
The College of Fine Arts and Bangalore School of Visual Arts are also under its aegis, bringing up the next generation of artists. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
The Chitra Santhe event has taken place annually for the last 21 years. (Express photo by Jithendra M)
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