Distinctive watercolour and oil paintings celebrate Bengaluru of yore at Varna Mythri — a retrospective show honouring the works of late artist Rumale Chennabasaviah in Hyderabad. The show at Salar Jung museum to mark its 75th year features 80 of his major artworks spanning three decades, from the 60s to the 80s, including archival material and personal memorabilia offering keen insight into the artist’s life and journey.
Nature takes centrestage
Sri Nagappa Alva’s residence, Bangalore 1973 – watercolour on paper by Rumale Chennabasaviah
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement/Mallikarjun Katakol
Supported by the Ministry of Culture and curated by noted artist and critic KS Srinivasa Murthy, the works have been lent by Sanjay and Shabala, custodians of these artefacts at Rumale Art House in Bengaluru. Landscapes and luminous portrayals of Nature, especially Bengaluru’s blossoms, turn into protagonists as the canvases quietly draw in the visitors.
Renowned artist late Rumale Chennabasaviah
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement
Born in Doddaballapura, near Bengaluru, and moulded by the Indian freedom movement, Rumale evolved with many distinct roles as a politician, editor, spiritual seeker, and a cultural and social activist, before eventually returning to art as a self-taught painter at the age of 52.
Remembering Rumale Chennabasavaiah: A tribute to the ‘Van Gogh of Karnataka’
For curator and practicing artist Srinivasa Murthy, revisiting Rumale’s works and reviewing his own responses to his art has always been ‘fun.’ “In a way, Rumale’s paintings bring our attention to the very act of painting. Not in terms of technicalities but also its objectives, through ideals cherished by him such as his love and respect for the natural and cultural heritage and refining the mind and body, through meditative practices and kayakalpa,” says Srinivasa.
Creative life
Play of light – High Court, Bengaluru oil on canvas by Rumale Chennabasaviah
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement/Mallikarjun Katakol
The display covers an entire range of Rumale’s creative life — from his early works to the last painting. “The artist had a personal vision of nature, art and life, especially the urban environment. It is a holistic perspective important for each of us. He was not a restless artist looking for diverse tools or techniques like most of his contemporaries.” A masterful artist and multifaceted thinker, Rumale strived for perfection. “His art materials, pigments and papers were the envy of even experts.”
Rumale Chennabasaviah with Mahatma Gandhi, 1934
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Visitors could also gain insights from the archival materials and memorabilia. about Rumale, the freedom fighter, who readily gave up art to take part in Satyagraha.
Varna Mythri, a retrospective show of late artist Rumale Chennabasaviah, is on view at Salar Jung museum, Hyderabad, till May 25; Entry with ticket. Fridays closed
Published – May 05, 2026 04:53 pm IST
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