Chithrakala Academy’s annual art show returns after a long gap
The 44th annual exhibition of Chithrakala Academy burst onto the scene at the Kasthuri Sreenivasan Art Gallery, marking the first public showcase in six years. President V Jeevananthan greeted visitors with palpable enthusiasm, his laughter echoing through the gallery as artists and art lovers re‑connected after the pandemic pause.
Thirty‑three Coimbatore‑based artists each contributed two works, ranging from vivid landscapes to meditative abstracts. The academy’s guiding principle—'selling is secondary'—shines through, emphasizing exposure and dialogue over commercial gain. Acrylics dominate the walls, but watercolours and mixed media also find their place, reflecting the diversity of the local creative community.
Standout pieces include Muthuraj’s imposing abstract canvas, Parthiban’s bustling grocery‑store scene teeming with colourful packets, and Bimal Sham’s delicate leaf‑and‑grass composition that extends the surrounding forests onto the wall. Maniraj captures a grand Bharatanatyam pose, while Ram Prasad offers quiet watercolour studies, each work inviting lingering contemplation.
Founded in 1978, Chithrakala Academy has long been a hub for free art training, workshops with masters such as Adimoolam and Alphonso, and community exhibitions. After a pandemic‑induced shutdown that strained finances, the academy’s members pooled personal funds to revive the show, signaling a hopeful return to regular classes and cultural events.