Teach art in schools, says artist

Artist Gunasagari Rao explaining her painting to Dean of Kasturba Medical College Sripathi Rao at her painting exhibition in Udupi on Sunday. Former Chairman of Karnataka Lalithkala Academy Peter Lewis (left) is also seen.

Veteran artist and former chairman of the Karnataka Lalit Kala Akademi Peter A. Lewis said on Sunday that art should be taught to children in schools.

He was presiding over the inaugural function of an exhibition of paintings of Gunasagari Rao, organised by junior artists here. The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vibhuti Art Gallery here till April 20.

Significance

Mr. Lewis said that art helped children in giving vent to their feelings and creativity through drawings and paintings. This would also help children in their studies. They would be able to understand their culture. Children should not become mere book-worms. “Art is an integral part of every person's life,” he said. Mr. Lewis said that it was essential that artists supported their fellow professionals in trouble. M.F. Hussain was one of the greatest artists of India. But, it was saddening that he had to seek nationality of Qatar. “Artists are never interested in politics. They are above it,” he said.

Inaugurating the exhibition, dean of Kasturba Medical College Sripathi Rao said that art was meant for all. Nobody could confine art. Hitler tried doing it and failed. Manipal University always encouraged artists and art exhibitions, he said.

Artist P.N. Acharya welcomed the gathering. Director of Chitrakalamandir College of Arts K.L. Bhat was present.