Mysuru students' Kinnala art show will take you back to the Vijayanagara Empire

In an attempt to showcase the dwindling 'Kinnala art' to the art aficionado of Mysuru, students of Sri Ravivarma Chitrakala Shale conducted a unique art exhibition in the city. Kinnala art is a traditional wooden art form which has its roots back to the Vijayanagara Empire period and is on the verge of being lost. To showcase this immensely rich art form, Sri Ravivarma Chitrakala Shale conducted a unique art exhibition 'Visual Essence'.

Noted artist M G Doddamani inaugurated the exhibition and Dr Lakshaman Prasad eminent artist, National awardee and senior Assistant Professor in School of Performing and Visual arts, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi presented a painting demonstration. Mythological figures, tales, paintings of little Krishna with Yashoda and other gods were kept on display during the art exhibition which will conclude on Saturday.

Shivakumar Kesaramadu, Principal of Sri Ravivarma Chitrakala Shale said, "Kinnala art is one of the traditional wooden art form of Koppal district and has a great history. We wanted to showcase the rich artistic heritage of this dwindling art form to the citizens of Mysuru. This art form can be easily distinguished with the other art forms as it has its own design and pattern. Kinnala is basically painted wooden art and our students used MDF sheets, chalk powder,dye colors, gold and silver leaves. Different avataras of gods and scenes from puranas are usually depicted in this art form."

Nagashayana, a second year foundation students in the art school said, "It took nearly a month to complete this art form. We did this art work under the guidance of our principal Shivakumar and we are glad to get an opportunity to know about this dwindling art form. A total of 35 students created 35 different art works with beautiful designs and patterns."