Arty and Crafty

By M.T. Yogesh Kumar

Young and emerging artists thrive in the cultural legacy of Mysuru, following the footsteps of seasoned practitioners and attaining success across diverse artistic domains. Hailing from Hinkal, L. Basavaraju is a promising figure among the new generation of artists.

Having earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from the prestigious Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) in Mysuru, now rechristened as Government College of Visual Arts, Basavaraju has been actively engaged in a myriad of artistic expressions for the past two decades.

His repertoire includes stone carving, wood carving, relief art (embossed art), fibre art, clay art, wall carving, cement art creation and mural art. Progressing quietly yet steadily, he has honed his skills across these varied art forms.

In 2020, Basavaraju won prize at the 16th Annual Sculpture Exhibition organised by Shilpakala Academy for his creation depicting a ‘husband and wife with four children (all wearing masks) and a pet dog on a scooter.” This artwork served as an advocacy tool for the mandatory rule of mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A genuine representative of indigenous art, Basavaraju excels in the art that was learnt, experienced and practised at CAVA. Making optimal use of the opportunities presented to him, he garnered acclaim early in his career.

Having mastered an array of art forms such as stone, wood, clay, fibre, embossing and carving decorative objects, he exemplifies qualities of precision, patience, rhythm, smoothness and delicacy required for carving. The artistic endeavours of Basavaraju flourish through his meticulously chiselled works and carvings, numbering in the hundreds. Among them, a notable stone sculpture depicts a woman carrying a fruit basket on her head while cradling a child in her arms. 

Installed in the Cheluvamba Hospital premises, his creations include the ‘Kanya Suraksha Vritta,’ a stone figure of Sahu Maharaj, the Constitutional Architect Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, an idol of Lord Eshwara, an idol of Gowri, Sarvajna statue, an Annamacharya statue and Buddha. Additionally, Basavaraju has delved into tribal carvings like the hunting scene sculpture, executing stone carvings inspired by Periyar and others.

In the realm of embossed art, Basavaraju has adorned house walls with cow-calf depictions, Kamadhenu and other figures, conceptualised under the theme of ‘Panchabhuta.’ The stone carvings gracing temple entrances showcase exquisite craftsmanship. For residential and commercial aesthetics, he has crafted stone fountains. Proficient in 3D and 2D engraving, as well as illustration, Basavaraju has demonstrated his expertise in cement statue crafting, with various installations across the State.

Participating in National and State-level sculpture camps organised by Shilpakala Academy, Basavaraju has earned accolades from both the Academy and various organisations for his on-the-spot creation of statues and figures.

Reflecting on his journey, Basavaraju, says, “Even in my childhood, I harboured a keen interest in art, particularly in creating works from stone, wood and clay. This passion led me to study art at CAVA and graduate with an MFA. Engaging in Shilpakala Academy camps broadened my understanding of different art forms. I’ve crafted stone, wood and clay figures tailored to the preferences of many, earning appreciation, especially for stone sculptures. My deep commitment to art carving stems from a desire to elevate Mysuru’s art heritage to greater heights.”