Chitra Sante 2023- Surpur paintings
This year after a gap Chitra sante happened physically.
Chitra Sante :
Chitra Sante is an annual art fair held in Bangalore, India. It is organized by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, an organization dedicated to promoting art and culture in Karnataka state. The event attracts artists from all over India and showcases a diverse range of art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and handicrafts.
Chitra Santhe, which means “art fair” in Kannada (the local language of Karnataka), started in 2004 and has since grown into one of the largest art fairs in the country. The event is held on the first Sunday of every year and takes place on Kumara Krupa Road, near the Chitrakala Parishath art college.
The fair provides a platform for artists to display and sell their work directly to the public, without the involvement of intermediaries such as galleries or dealers. This helps to promote independent artists and encourage the growth of the Indian art market.
Chitra sante 2023
I have been visiting Chitra sante since 2017. The event was cancelled because of pandemic. This year it was organised on first Sunday of January. Here I am sharing some of the unique paintings which were exhibited there.
Surpur painting:
I had seen Surpur paintings in an exhibition. Again I met the same artist in Chitra sante.
What are Surpur paintings?
Surpur painting is a traditional art form from the Surpur region in Karnataka, India. It is a style of miniature painting that has been practiced in the region for several centuries.
Surpur paintings are known for their intricate details, bright colors, and themes drawn from mythology and local folklore. The paintings are usually created on paper, using natural dyes and pigments, and are characterized by fine brushwork and delicate lines. The colors used in Surpur painting are usually derived from natural sources such as minerals, vegetables, and flowers.
Shiva in Surpur painting
The themes depicted in Surpur paintings usually include scenes from Hindu mythology and legends, such as stories of Lord Krishna or scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These paintings are usually created in small sizes, making them ideal for use as illustrations in manuscripts or as personal keepsakes.
Goddess Lakshmi
People
Radha Krishna
Maha Vishnu
Today, Surpur painting is practiced by a small number of artists and is considered a dying art form. However, efforts are being made to revive the tradition, and workshops and training programs are being conducted to teach the art form to younger generations.
It nearly took one hour for me to roam in Chitra sante. I have captured photos of many paintings. I will share in coming posts.
Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,
-Ranjana
