College of Fine Arts

Welcome to College of Fine Arts

The cosmopolitan identity of Bangalore has an edge over other metropolitan cities. Due to economic liberalization, information and biotechnology, it is a city that speaks with a global voice. The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath has achieved the status of an eclectic space. The art complex has permanent galleries displaying modern Indian masters. It is rich storehouse of folk and traditional paintings. The spacious galleries constantly display the finest in contemporary Indian Art. the open-air theatre is active space for the performing arts. the Parishath has constantly cultivated art events like artist camps that explore the complexity and plurality or contemporary art.

 

The College of Fine Arts ( CFA ) was established in 1964. It is affiliated to the Bangalore University. It is undoubtedly one of the premiere institutes of art education in the country today. Graduates from the CFA become a part of a network of creative individuals who have shaped and continue to shape the visual culture surrounding all of us.

 

 

Within the school, we offer four programmes at the B.V.A. level these include a basic foundation course of one year (two semesters). This leads to a three year specialisation course in Painting, Sculpture, Art History and Print making. The presence of a significant teachers and researchers has proved to be advantageous for the college as a whole, as it is our intention to stimulate research and creativity. All students encouraged to enrole for Master of Visual Arts ( M.V.A )

 

The Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath having nearly four decades of purposeful existence has become the cultural landmark of Karnataka, its usefulness assuming archival proportions. After its establishment in 1960, it straightaway started conducting art exhibitions at both the state and national levels, besides organising conferences and workshops. An art school, named Chitrakala Vidyalaya, was added to its budgeoning activities in the year 1964.

 

As an art institution, the Parishath has several firsts to its credit. To name a few :

01. It is a registered body, with definite, organised programmes to promote the intrest of art and artists;
02. Undertake a survey of traditional style of paintings and leather puppets;
03. Introducing leather puppets to the world at large.
04. Setting up degree courses in fine arts.
05. Developing a unique art complex of international standard.

 

SURVEY OF TREASURES

The year 1966 saw the Parishath grow in stature with both the Central and State Lalitkala Academies according recognition to it. This naturally attracted the attention of artists and art - lovers.

 

STRUCTURAL EDIFICE

With the grant of spacious land from the sate Government and liberal financial help from individuals, its dream of having a building of its own was fulfilled. With that, the activities also increased manifold, each winning the approbation of diginitaries not only in the country, but also from abroad. The Governments at the state and the Centre, as also international organisations like the UNESCO kept up their uninterrupted liaison with the Parishath and its work, often extending their patronage in more than one way.

 

As the Parishath started attracting more participation of artists, it set up a fully equipped graphic workshop and a sculpture studio. They are working in full swing, meeting the needs of artists. Now, the Parishath's building is almost complete, the first two phases costing Rs. 1.32 crore. They consist of several sprawling galleries, a foyer and office accomodation. Only the last phase remains to be completed.

 

To facilitate proper and smooth working of such activities that involves greater financial commitments, a trust has formed in 1975, it has four nominees of the government besides a few well - known public figures. Mr. S.M. Krishna, a founder trustee, is its current president.

 

EXCLUSIVE GALLERIES

The Parishath's galleries are attracting exhibitions of not only well - known artists of India, but also from abroad. Many foreign countries have also displayed exhibitions pertaining to their heritage in these halls. Quite a few handicraft organisations of Indian states have also found it beneficial to organise their displays in the Parishath from time to time.

 

PERMANENT DISPLAYS

The Parishath's permanent collection is steadily growing. Dr. S. Roerich, one of its closet associates, donated a sizeable number of his father's and his own painting to it. Two exclusive gallery floors have been erected in his memory, where these invaluable works are on a permanent display.

 

Similar is the munifience of Mr. H.K. Kejriwal, he has not only donated his rare collection of art and artefacts, but has donated handsomely to raise a separate gallery for their display. H.K. Kejriwal collection of contemporary, modern & folk forms of India avails a unique opportunity for studying in-house for the students of CFA.

 

Internationally recognised graphic artist, Dr Krishna reddy has kindly gifted his valuable graphic prints exhibition to the Parishath. Some popular paintings of Mr. S.S.Kukke are the other additions to this list. the Mysore traditional style of painting, which was almost extinct was revived by the Parishath under the guidance of Master Artist Y.Subramanaya Raju. It has reached new dimensions today. The latest addition to our museums is a wing housing Karnataka Leather Puppets and Marionettes.

 

ROERICH CONNECTION

The first Doctoral thesis through the parishath was recently submitted by Smt. Pushpa dravid on the Himalayan Paintings of Prof. Nicholas Roerich. Prof. M.S. Nanjunda Rao, who is an important contributor in this area of research was invited to international seminars of the Russian centers and the International Roerich Trust, India. His periodical visits on invitation to Russia and his association with these organisations is significant in fostering the Indo - Russian friendship.

 

Another activity of the Parishath which deserves note is its publications. The colourful tome on the unique Mysore Traditional Paintings is slated for a second edition. A Kannada version of this valuable work is also on the anvil. Its other books are, a fully illustrated volume on "Ganesha" and "Humanism in Art" by Dr.S. Roerich. Recently, a catalogue on Kejriwal collections and the Artists camp - 1996 have been added. To commemorate the Roerich's association with the Parishath an illustrative album has been brought out. To celebrate 50 years of Indian Independence the Parishath organised a major curated show, "Movement in Indian Art" along with a relevant catalogue.

 

Today the Parishath stands as a monument to all that is noble and beautiful in Indian Art. Indeed, it is an ideal centre for the promotion of all kinds of artistic pursuits, for which the promoters are beholden as much to the State and Central governments, as to the art loving public of Bangalore.