BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe on Sunday, and revealed the state government’s plan to to improve the green cover by planting 3-5 crore saplings every year. Chitra Santhe, organised by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP), transforms the streets into open-air art festivals.
CM underscored the urgency of environmental protection at this year’s edition, themed as “Environmental Challenges through Art”. Addressing artists and visitors, the CM said, “Art is a mirror of a state’s culture, and today it must also reflect our responsibility towards nature”, calling on citizens to view art as a catalyst for environmental awareness.
Siddaramaiah, participating the eighth time, praised CKP for consistently providing a vibrant platform where artists and art lovers can come together to exhibit, buy and celebrate art. CKP President B L Shankar said this year’s theme reflects the growing need to engage the public on ecological issues through creative expression.
In collaboration with the Vanalok Foundation, a special nature-themed exhibition focusing on Bengaluru’s urban environment is being hosted. The exhibition traces the city’s ancient landscapes and traditional water systems, highlighting the importance of green spaces.
Nineteen-year-old Anvita Sunil from Kerala, presented oil-painted portraits inspired by people she photographed on the streets, said it was the largest platform she has ever been a part of.
Kariyappa Hanchinamani, an artist with 22 years of experience, showcased a vibrant music-inspired series rendered in acrylic on canvas, S.A. Vimalanathan, a 45-year-old artist with 25 years of practice, presented mixed-media works capturing Bengaluru as polluted, crowded and chaotic in his modern representation of the city.