Speed painters capture essence of Kumbh Mela on canvas in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: In a display of creativity and speed, 11 artists from the live art group of Vishwakarma Kala Parishath (VKP) transported audiences into the spiritual heart of the Kumbh Mela, all within just 10 minutes. The performance was part of Samarpanam Kalothsava, held recently to mark the second anniversary of VKP, with the support of Shri Kalikamba Vinayaka Temple, Car Street.
Adding a dramatic, theatrical twist to the experience, artist JP Acharya Kotekar turned his canvas into a 3D installation, not just through paint, but by transforming himself into a Naga Sadhu. "This was my way of giving the audience a real sense of what the Kumbh Mela looks like, especially the Akhadas of Naga Sadhus," he told TOI.
"Instead of painting a Naga Sadhu, I became one. The background was Sadhu's Akhada with an agnikunda, and the live portrayal brought the artwork to life. It is for the first time that I presented myself as a part of the art, and the response was incredible," he said.
Acharya said the Parishath currently has a team of 19 speed painters, and for this concept, 11 artists came together with just one instruction, paint anything inspired by the Kumbh Mela. "It was an open theme, and each artist brought in their interpretation. The 3D approach is something we hope to explore more as a team," he added.
The other artists included Ranjita Acharya, Lakshminarayan Acharya, Bindu Acharya, Jyeshta Acharya Kotekar, Mahendra Acharya Vakvaadi, Gayatri Acharya Mundkooru, Jayalakshmi Acharya, Rajeshwari Acharya, Poorna Acharya Basroor, and Prakyath Acharya.
SP Gurudas, president of VKP, said that this was a unique attempt and also the fourth time our speed painters came together to collaborate. The Parishath boasts over 200 members, representing a wide range of artistic disciplines. Notable names like Karan Acharya are part of the group. We have previously created themed speed painting artworks on Lord Shiva. During a visit by celebrated sculptor Arun Yogiraj to Mangaluru, a team speed painting on Ayodhya and Lord Ram was presented, and there was also another occasion, a tribute to Tulunadu's rich culture was presented, he said.