My Way or the Mysore Way?
Artist Finds Artistic Freedom Within Tradition
Features
Credits: NSoJ
Written by Dharshini Iyer
The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath's Mysore Traditional Art Exhibition by Geetha GM opened its doors to the public on May 27th and will continue to showcase the works until June 2nd, 2024.
Local artist Geetha has found a unique artistic path, blending her love for traditional Mysore painting with the freedom of abstract art. Geetha's journey began in her childhood, fueled by a passion for creating. She honed her skills by sketching and painting everything around her, even resorting to magazine clippings as canvases in her early days.
A turning point came when Geetha's husband introduced her to the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad's traditional painting classes. There, she delved into the rich heritage of Mysore painting. Fueled by this newfound knowledge, Geetha went on to pursue a Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) and later a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Artistry.
However, Geetha's artistic spirit craved more. She began exploring abstract art, a realm where she could express her own ideas and creativity. This shift wasn't a rejection of tradition, but rather an expansion. Geetha continues to create traditional art forms but now infuses them with her personal touch, as seen in her Krishna painting with its unique background.
When asked about her advice for aspiring artists, Geetha emphasizes the importance of dedication and following one's passion. "There's a place for both traditional and modern art," she says. "It depends on your interests. Ultimately, the key is dedication. If you devote yourself to art with a peaceful mind, you can excel in any style."
Geetha's story serves as an inspiration for those seeking their own artistic voice. It demonstrates that artistic growth often lies in embracing both tradition and innovation.
The exhibition was inaugurated on the opening day with a ceremony attended by esteemed guests of honor, including senior artists Prof. V G Andani and Prof M J Kamalakshi, alongside Sri Mahanthesh Bilgai, IAS, the Managing Director of BESCOM, Bangalore.
