Paintings by budding artists, art teachers dominate as three-day Kala Parba begins at Kadri Park

Syed Asif Ali, art teacher of Mahalasa College of Visual Art in Mangaluru, used to participate in art and field events, along with his students, in Mangaluru and other parts of the State. Ali passed away a week ago. In commemoration of his contribution to encouraging young artists, Ali’s students displayed their mentor’s works in a stall at the three-day Kala Parba, an art fair, which commenced at Kadri Park in Mangaluru on Friday.

Among his art works displayed included his portraits, which included that of his student, Ananya, a third-year Fine Arts student of the college. “I was among the students inspired by Ali sir’s skill in caricature and live portrait painting. He exposed us to real life situation, which helped us hone our painting skill,’ said third-year Fine Arts student Shreelakshmi, who makes thread art.

Ms. Ananya and Ms. Shreelakshmi joined their college mates in displaying caricatures, portraits and other art forms of Ali.

The Mahalasa College has a separate stall displaying art forms of their students. Abhishek Tirthahalli, a graduate of the college, has a stall where he has displayed his paintings and also performed live caricature. There is also a stall of the Visual Art department of Alva’s College, Moodbidri.

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Superintendent of Police K. Arun went around the stalls on Friday afternoon.

The parba has been organised by Sharadi Prathisthana. Senior artist Ganesh Somayaji said over 10,000 works will be exhibited by 150 artists from across the State during the festival. There will be an interaction with artists on January 10 at 11 a.m., which will be followed by rangoli and drawing competitions. There will be a demonstration of sculpting at 11 a.m. on January 11, which will be followed by a mehandi drawing competition and street play, he said.

There was a Bharatanatyam performance on Friday evening. A flute concert and Yakshagana performance will be held on the evening of January 10, and another Yakshagana will be staged on January 11 evening.