Sir,

Being a resident of Mysuru and an amateur photographer, this is my appeal to our new Mysuru-Kodagu MP, Yaduveer Wadiyar.

Mysuru lacks a proper Art Gallery with the necessary facilities to display photographic art, paintings and hold Art Exhibitions and seminars. Even our very own world-renowned photographer, the late T.S. Satyan, had to exhibit his remarkable works at  the Institution of Engineers — a hall meant for public meetings — due to the absence of a suitable alternative.

In November 2023, I displayed my photographs in the corridors of the Wadiyar School of Architecture where there was no proper lighting and infrastructure.

It is unfortunate that a large collection of T.S. Satyan’s famous photographs was donated by his family to the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru due to the lack of a suitable gallery in Mysuru. Had we a facility similar to the one dedicated to the works of the late R.K. Narayan (whose house in Yadavagiri has been converted into ‘R.K. Narayan Museum’), another of Mysuru’s literary stalwarts, T.S. Satyan’s photographs could have remained here for all of us, tourists and research scholars, to see and cherish. This also applies to the art works of many famous artists of Mysuru.

Mysuru is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, a reputation built on the rich legacy of the Wadiyars, who were great patrons of art and music. Their contributions have significantly shaped Mysuru into a cultural centre. The world-renowned Mysore paintings, a classical South Indian painting style, originated in our city and continue to be a testament to our artistic heritage.

It is my earnest request that our MP, Yaduveer Wadiyar, consider championing the cause of establishing an Art Gallery for photographic art and all the forms of Arts in Mysuru, similar to the best in the world. There is no shortage of space in the city, with several vacant buildings, including the old DC’s Office in the city centre, which could be repurposed for this endeavour.

The MP’s support in this matter would not only honour the legacy of his forebears but also inspire a new generation of artists and photographers. Together, we can ensure that Mysuru continues to shine as a beacon of art and culture.

I trust our MP, Yaduveer Wadiyar, will do the needful to make this vision a reality.

– Ashvini Ranjan, Mysuru, 20.7.2024

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