The Chitrakala Parishad in Karnataka conducts Chitra Santhe (Art Fair) every year and this year it
was the 21st edition. Both the mighty and little artists find space side by side, and they stand
shoulder to shoulder at this art fair. It is a one day affair, where Lakhs of people from all walks of
life flock to see and buy paintings. Just as you see in a vegetable market, paintings and handicrafts
are spread on either side of Kumarakrupa road in Bengaluru and it is that simple. It is great to see
people on two wheelers and four wheelers or walking away with their new found treasures in
paper wraps.
Why not?
Is collecting Artworks or paintings reserved only for the high and the elite in the society? Why not
the wall of a humble home of an ordinary family be adorned with a painting? The Chitra Santhe
opens up such a possibility. All homes should have a painting or two, thereby lifting the aesthetic
quality of their life. It was a joy to see ordinary men and women and families with their children
feasting on the vibrant and the sober colours spread around and at one moment you feel it is an
endless river of art.
A Democratic Act!
Chitra Santhe is a Democratic act. It began in 2002 with a mission of making art exhibition and art
viewing available to all. ‘Art for all’ was their motto. Now in 2024, it has become a giant of an art fair
and the organizers have maintained it's democratic and simple nature. Democratic, because there is
no powerplay of the mighty here, at least not obvious. All artists are treated equally and are given
space side by side. As long as this simplicity is maintained, the art lovers and the not so accustomed
viewers of art works would have a field day and it is highly educative for the young minds as well.
Bengaluru is home to such extraordinary events that can lift your spirits.
