Colourful nature on canvas
At the historic Salar Jung Museum, where time itself seems to pause amidst rare collections and cultural memory, a vibrant artistic celebration is unfolding. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the museum is hosting the evocative exhibition 'Varna Mythri', dedicated to the life and works of master artist Rumale Chennabasaviah.
This exhibition is more than a display of paintings — it is a journey through the remarkable life of an artist who chose purpose over comfort, and later, passion over position. Rumale's early years were shaped at the Kalamandir School of Art and the Chamarajendra Technical Institute in Mysore, where his artistic sensibilities first took root. However, his youth was swept into the tide of India's freedom movement, where he devoted himself to the nation's struggle. His commitment to public life continued as he became a member of the Legislative Council in the erstwhile State of Mysore.
Yet, destiny had another canvas waiting. In 1962, at the age of 52, Rumale made a bold and deeply personal choice — he stepped away from public life to return to his first love: art. What followed was a period of intense creativity, where nature became both his muse and his language.
His works are alive with the colours of the natural world. The golden cascades of Laburnum, the fiery orange of Flame of the Forest, the delicate pinks of Cassia Javanica, the soft mauves of Jacaranda, the cheerful yellows of Gulmohur, and the serene fragrance of Frangipani — all find expression in his watercolours and oil paintings. Through these elements, Rumale didn't just paint landscapes; he translated the soul of Karnataka onto canvas.
In 1973, his artistic journey took another pioneering turn with the establishment of 'Rumale Art House' in Bengaluru — the city's first private art gallery. The space became a sanctuary for his creations, showcasing nearly ninety original works that traverse the blossoms of Bengaluru, the landscapes of Karnataka and Sri Lanka, and a selection of portraits. The gallery also houses a serene puja room, reflecting Rumale's spiritual depth, with portraits of his gurus, including Tapaswiji Maharaj and Shivabalayogi Maharaj.
The ongoing exhibition 'Varna Mythri' brings together this legacy in a curated experience at the Western Block of the museum. Each artwork stands as a testament to a life that embraced both duty and devotion — first to the nation, and then to art. Open until May 25, this exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness how one man's return to his passion created a timeless dialogue between nature, spirituality, and artistic expression.
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