Mysuru: A Sculptors’ camp has been organised by Lalit Kala Akademi, National Academy of Art, New Delhi, in collaboration with the University of Mysore from Nov. 8 to 23 at the Department of Studies (DoS) in Ancient History and Archaeology, Manasagangothri, Mysuru.

The theme for the camp is ‘Ancient Indian Sculptural Art.’

The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Gavisiddaiah, Director, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Mysuru, in the presence of Vijay Rao, Head, Department of Art History, Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts  (CAVA), Puttaswamy Gudigar, Director, Shilpa Loka, Goa and Dr. K. Prabhu, Chairman, DoS in Ancient History and Archaeology, Manasagangothri. M.V. Krishnappa, retd. Professor, DoS in Ancient History and Archaeology, Manasagangothri, presided.

Dr. Gavisiddaiah, in his inaugural address, highlighted the importance of selecting a stone for making sculptures. He said, “Emotions are a key part in making sculptures; one must express them through their sculptures.”

Vijay Rao spoke about the aesthetic experience in making a sculpture. He was of the opinion that skill and imagination is very vital.

He said, “One must give a form to the imagination that they have conceived in their mind, and that imagination should turn into an image which should be sculpted on the stone. According to him, ‘Sankalpa, Prathishta and Arohana’  is important to feel the power to turn a stone into a Vigraha (idol).

He also gave an insight on how several artists have dared to break the classical ideas and evolved ‘Modern Art’. “Sculptures elevate our souls to heaven and they also bring heaven down to earth,” he added.

Ten sculptors from Goa and Karnataka will create sculptures in ancient dynastic styles (Kadamba, Hoysala, Chalukya, etc.) in the next three weeks under the supervision of Puttaswamy Gudigar. The event will also be open for schoolchildren, college students, art connoisseurs and public as it would be an opportunity for them to observe the creation of sculpture from start to finish and appreciate the nuances of sculpting an image in the traditional style.

By the end of the camp, the sculptors aim to create as many as ten beautiful sculptures.

C.S. Krishna Shetty, Administrator, Lalit Kala Academi, New Delhi, Dr. V. Shobha, Chairperson, DoS in Ancient History and Archaeology, Manasagangothri and Dr. Rohitha Eswer, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Maharaja’s College, Mysuru, were also present.