Mysore/Mysuru: Senior artist K.G. Lingadevaru underlined the importance for artists to embrace modernity while staying rooted in their art form, encouraging experimentation to connect with people.

He shared these insights during an interaction organised by Mysore Art Gallery in collaboration with Sri Rajeshwari Vastralankara Rangathanda, Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota, Kadamba Ranga Vedike and Sneha Sinchana Trust at the Gallery premises on Ramanuja Road in city recently.

Lingadevaru urged artists not to remain stagnant but to evolve continuously, comparing art to a flowing river. He acknowledged that experimental paintings may not immediately reach a wide audience, but he drew a parallel with D.V. Gundappa’s ‘Mankuthimmana Kagga’, which initially didn’t gain popularity but is now widely analysed & appreciated.

Drawing from his personal journey, Lingadevaru shared his experience of overcoming challenges. Originally from a family of agriculturists in Bengaluru rural, he faced setbacks in his education but eventually found his way to art school. Despite financial struggles, he worked in a printing press for 25 years before rekindling his passion for art in 2008. Lingadevaru’s encounter with Ramachandran marked a turning point, leading to opportunities to exhibit his collage artworks in various national art exhibitions.

During the event, K.G. Lingadevaru and his wife Vanaja were felicitated.

The gathering included notable personalities such as journalist Da.Ko. Halli.

Chandrashekar, retired Principal Babu Jatkar, founder of Mysore Art Gallery L. Shivalingappa, drawing teacher R.S. Pushpa, teacher U.G. Mohan Kumar Aradhya, President of Kannada Sahitya Kalakoota M. Chandrashekar, writers Ramprasad, Seetharam, Jayaram Reddy, Ramesh, Lokesh and Secretary of Mysore Art Gallery Jamunarani Mirle.