Artists'Forum

Karavali Kalakararu (ಕರಾವಳಿ ಕಲಾಕಾರರು) is an effort by Artists’ Forum, NITK to celebrate the vibrant art scene of Mangaluru. The city’s sublime seascapes, rich history and the cultural diversity provide the perfect backdrop for a flourishing heritage in art, and this series taps into that treasure trove. The first artist in this series is Ms Sapna Noronha, a Mangaluru artist who is able to represent nature with uncommon insight and portrays the city’s quiet beauty with skill and grace. She thrives on creativity, saying “I work on creative challenges of commission works that are fulfilling because it forces the creativity to be expressed within a very specific directive.” Ms Noronha was swayed by art from an early age and credits her friends with keen talents for the visual arts for stimulating her fantasy and imagination. She explored the basics of art from eminent artist B. G. Mohammed before becoming professional in 1996. When asked to describe her oeuvre, she says “Art forces me to focus on what is more real, the indescribable, such as beauty and nature. As an image triggers me and has enough artistic impact and the image is completed to my taste, I paint it on canvas. I balance artistic value and unusual colours to express and evoke more mind-soul play.” Perhaps the most striking image of the drive I took from Bengaluru to Mangaluru as an apprehensive 18 year old, anticipating (and dreading) college in another city, was nature. The lush green canopies and the serene sea proved to be worthy companions. Even now, nearly 3 years later, I am freshly amazed by the lull of the sea. So, it came as no surprise to me at all when Ms Noronha cited nature as the biggest inspiration for her art. “I have always been enthused by nature and drawing inspiration from the immense natural beauty that surrounds me. Nature has been undeniably one of the treasured muses to my works.” She adds, “The countless faces of nature drew me closer to my passion for art, building a colourful conversation with my canvas.” which struck a chord with me, because it touches upon a timeless endeavour of artists everywhere: communicating through brush strokes. Ms Noronha also acknowledges the importance of colour in art, and how vibrant colour combinations are especially rewarding. This felt close to home, as I recently discovered that for one of our own projects, we used evocative colours such as “Perennial Glade” and “Swan Song” (who knew there was poetry in paint cans?). It would be remiss to not address just how influential Mangaluru has been in Ms Noronha’s work. “Mangaluru’s colourful, rich culture and traditions are reconstructed as perfect subjects on my canvas. I gained inspiration from the city’s cultural sports, festivals etc, placing them onto my canvas in a contemporary style.” Ms Noronha’s talent of depicting the subtle niceties of nature and Mangaluru culture in a fresh light has certainly been recognised in many galleries and exhibitions, including the prestigious Art Bridge Between Danube and Ganges II, which illustrates socio-economic exchange through art. About the current art scene, Ms Noronha is full of hope. “A large number of fresh faces and first-timers are showing creativity in one’s own vision.” Her parting advice to young artists emphasizes embracing one’s unique style and pushing through with dedication. “Art needs to grab, call and seduce into getting engaged in its content. Focus to make an impact on what makes one unique. The drive to succeed is what will help to get through tough times and keep moving ahead towards the goal. Passion shines through finished artwork and easy skilful interaction.” Interviewing Ms Noronha was a delight. I find her work to be simple, yet rapturous and a perfect characterization of Mangaluru’s easy charm.