13 November 2024/

DISCOVER “THE MOTHERLAND”: OBAYYA’S SOLO EXHIBITION IN PONDICHERRY

Obayya, a renowned visual artist from Puttur, Karnataka, is set to unveil his latest solo exhibition titled “THE MOTHERLAND” at Kalinka Art Gallery in Pondicherry.

The exhibition will open on Thursday, 14 November 2024 from 6 to 8 PM, and will continue till 7 December 2024. The gallery welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, between 3 to 7 PM.

Obayya, who now lives and works in Mysore, has a diverse creative process that spans painting, installation and short film making. This exhibition showcases a selection of his recent works from 2016 to 2024, reflecting his journey and artistic evolution.

Having completed his MFA from Rabindra Bharthi University, Kolkata, in 2014, and his BFA from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA), University of Mysore, in 2009, Obayya’s art often explores the connections between rural and urban migratory patterns. Each journey he undertakes influences his artistic process, resulting in a unique blend of painting, installation and documentary short films.

Obayya’s recent solo exhibitions include “Temporal Dimensions” at the Indian Heritage Cities Network, Mysore (2023) and at the Center d’Art Citadines, Pondicherry, “Art Of The Week” at S Cube Art Gallery, Mangalore (2021), “Gesture / Jester” at Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bengaluru (2020) and “Best Left To You,” at Artist Centre, Mumbai(2018).

Obayya has participated in numerous prestigious residencies and workshops, including the 2023 APRE Art Residency in Mumbai and the Open Space Art Forum Residency in Kochi. His journey also includes the 2022 Printmaking Workshop at Studio Pannadwar, Mumbai and the 2019 Piramal Art Residency. Notably, he has been honored with the 2021 Shenoy Art Foundation Grant and the 2022 K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation Grant, highlighting his significant contributions to the art world.

“As a nomadic artist, my travels have allowed me to capture the diverse cultural facets of India. During the 2020 pandemic, when cities came to a standstill, I returned to my hometown, Puttur, and witnessed the impact on common people’s lives. This experience inspired me to create empathetic artworks and sculptures depicting the struggles of the working class. My series, “The Motherland,” is a tribute to the common man and explores their daily ordeals. Through my art, I aim to highlight the importance of nurturing our land, just as it nurtures us,” says the renowned artist Obayya.