Art teacher Prithvi Prabhu (centre) with students of Pratibha Academy and their art at IIWC. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Indian Institute of World Culture is hosting an art exhibition titled Karnataka – A Celebration of the State’s Cultural Tapestry. There are around 100 works of art on display, created by 60 students of Pratibha Academy in Banashankari.
Prithvi Prabhu, art teacher at Pratibha Academy, says, “Our students have spent all their free time in the last four months to organize this show. This exhibition is dedicated to this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava.”
“Most schools organize art exhibitions, but we were overwhelmed by the public’s response to last year’s show; it encouraged us to host another exhibit this year. My mentor, artist Sanjay Chapolkar, and art lover Venkatesh Arakli from the Indian Institute of World Cultures helped foster the students’ interests,” says Prithvi, who has been in the field of art for 12 years now.
“Although many of my students at Pratibha Academy have a passion for drawing, the exhibition showcases a variety of styles created using colored pencil, oil pastel, graphite and charcoal.”
Talking about why portraiture is considered more challenging, Prithvi says, “The concentration required to reflect the characteristics of one’s subject is intense. It depends on the artist’s interest and how their perception responds to this demand. Landscapes are more forgiving because changes in depiction are acceptable; in portraits, an exact likeness is the aim.”
Some notable paintings include Mysore Vasudevacharya, Raja Ravi Varma, DV Gundappa, Badami Banashankari, Sringeri Sharadamba, famous Kannada poets Ranna and Pampa, dancer Maya Rao, screen heroes Rajkumar, Sharapanjara Shivaram and Kalpana, Alur Venkata Rao and painter and sculptor K Venkatappa.
Students of Pratibha Academy at IIWC Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
With Karnataka as the subject, there was no dearth of subjects related to the state for the artists.
young start
Deepti Navratna, who today heads Pratibha Academy, says, “We are trying to blend tradition and modern pedagogy; this was the wish of my grandparents when they started the institution to serve the society.” Founded by freedom fighters Ahilya Bai and Navaratna Raghavendra Rao, “The school was established in 1962 with the aim of inclusive education, giving students from all walks of life a strong foundation not only in academics but also in life skills, arts and sports,” she adds.
Recognizing Raghavendra Rao’s contribution, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi honored him with the Tamrapatra Award.
Deepti, herself a neuro-scientist, says, “The Academy has a legacy of blending traditional and modern pedagogy to suit contemporary demands. We have adopted a neuro-science based teaching methodology that aligns with understanding the student’s brain processes and concepts. Apart from the formal academic curriculum, interactive activities for experiential learning with art, music, yoga, multiple games and robotics are a part of our broader teaching philosophy.”
Karnataka – A Celebration of the State’s Cultural Tapestry will be showcased at the Indian Institute of World Culture, Basavanagudi from 19-21 December. Entry fee.
published – December 18, 2025 08:59 PM IST