Mysore/Mysuru: The Raja Ravi Varma State Award instituted by city’s Shri Ravivarma Art Institute, was conferred on veteran painter from Kalaburagi, Prof. J.S. Khanderao (for the year 2019) and senior artist from Mumbai, Vasudev Kamath (2020) at a programme organised in the institute premises located on Narasaraja Road in Chamundipuram here recently. 

The  award carries a cash prize of RS.10,000 and a citation.

Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. J.S. Khanderao said that he was glad to receive this prestigious award. Observing that art defines the history of human culture, he said that art is also a form of human expression.

Noting that painting dates back to the ages of primitive times, Prof. Khanderao said that the art form has undergone rapid transformations over centuries. Pointing out that painting is a form of expression and a medium for sending out messages, he opined that painting was more practical in nature. Stressing on the need for artists to develop creativity in their profession, Khanderao said that the capacity of an artist grows with learning and experience. He further said that an innovative artist can bring more value to the society through artwork.

Vasudev Kamath, in his address, said that art students must not merely stick on to syllabus and must always be eager to learn from the outside world. Highlighting that painting is a more expressive form of art, he called upon painters to practise as much as possible in order to gain mastery over the art.

Senior Artist C.S. Krishnasetty, Tumakuru’s Ravindra Kalaniketana faculty Prabhu Harasur, Senior advocate S. Arun Kumar, Shri Ravivarma Art Institute Principal Shivakumar Kesaramadu and others were present.