A heritage in gold: Mysuru artistry to shine in London

Mysuru pictures provide an artistic window in our rich cultural past. In the 19th century, Mumadi Krishnaraj Vodear III was introduced, this tradition flourished under the protection of Jayachmrajendra Vodear. During his reign, Palace artist Y. Subraman Raju began teaching students across Karnataka art form. One such student J. Dundaraja was, who trained in Karnataka Chitrakala Parshath and is among the most sought -of -the -most -sought Mysuru painting artists.

J. Dandaraja | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

He will travel to London for two more artists from Karnataka – Umagendra and Shashank Bhardwaj – his debut oversiz show – golden art. Trio from 2 to 7 October, Building, will demonstrate more than 70 traditional Mysuru paintings (Mysore Chitrakala) in the building, London.

The National Award recipient, Mysore Dasara Award and Karnataka Lalit Kala Akademi Award recipient Dandraj speaks about his efforts to preserve the upcoming show and art in London. He also specializes in Tanjavur paintings. Explaining the specialty of Mysuru paintings, Dandraja says, “It uses the gold foil of the original 22, so the show is titled Golden Art. The painted topics are from Ramayana, Mahabharata and mythology. The art form is in a place between modern and realistic style.”

Umagendra’s depiction of Mahishasuramardhini. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Speaking about the process, he says, “First, the paper is pasted on a plywood sheet and dries. Then we draw, followed by embossing, including the inclusion of pure gold foil on them. After this comes the color. Earlier, we used natural colors, but today, most regular paints and colors use.”

The price of these art works depends on the rates of gold. “This means only those people can buy. For me, I am just happy to make them. It is not easy because the cost of raw materials has increased. I manage through teaching and some orders coming in my way.”

Umanagendra | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“After my training, Karnataka Chitrakala Parshath, I decided to pursue it as my profession, says Dandaraja, who has taught more than 1,000 students and teachers. They have more than 10 shows across the country.” A sponsor artist like me through the Central Government, DCH (Design Center for Handicrafts). This has been a great help. ,

Dandraja works for a week or eight hours a day for a week or 10 days to make 1 1/4 feet painting. “The price of art works is ₹ 15,000 and upwards on the basis of size and gold foil. As an awareness about heritage and culture, mysuru has become popular among paintings of paintings art lovers.”

Shashank Bhardwaj is working on a painting of Yashoda Krishna. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Umagendra, who was a senior of Dandraj in Chitrakala Parshath, is also an art teacher. A software engineer-engineer-artist Shashank Bhardwaj says, “The show is an attempt towards cultural protection. I am not only a painter, but an interpreter, who wants to create a dialogue between the form and contemporary global audience of this traditional art, and ensures its stories and techniques that echo with generations.”