The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is set to debut Rumale Chennabasaviah’s retrospective ‘Varna Mythri’ in Mumbai from March 1 to April 15. The exhibition aims to introduce the renowned artist’s works to Maharashtra for the first time, showcasing his artistic legacy.
Rumale Chennabasaviah, celebrated mainly in Karnataka, will have 80 works and three prints on display, highlighting his expertise in cityscapes, landscapes, and spirituality. The exhibition is dedicated to honoring the artist’s legacy, with no works intended for sale, organized by the Madhav Kabe family, close associates of Rumale.
The exhibition is co-curated by KS Srinivasa Murthy from Rumale Art House, Bengaluru, and Shruti Das, Deputy Curator of NGMA Mumbai. Rumale, a multifaceted personality, was not only an artist but also a freedom fighter, an MLC, and an editor, whose works were commissioned by government bodies to portray Karnataka’s modernization projects.
Murthy mentions, “To make Rumale relevant to present-day audiences, I have crafted a new narrative to introduce the artist and trace his practice through select works.” The retrospective at NGMA Mumbai will showcase Rumale’s mastery in watercolor, oil, and drawings, depicting Bengaluru’s floral beauty, landscapes, and spiritual elements.
The multi-floor exhibition will also feature a bust of Rumale Chennabasaviah by renowned sculptor Venkatachelapathi, rare photographs with Mahatma Gandhi, and artefacts reflecting his multifaceted life. Visitors will encounter a spiritual dimension in Rumale’s art, showcasing portraits of gurus and sacred sites of India and Sri Lanka.
Rumale’s dedication to art came later in life after his involvement in the Indian Freedom Movement, leading to numerous incarcerations. His love for nature and self-satisfaction in painting led to beautiful depictions of Bengaluru’s colorful landscapes and ancient structures. The exhibition aims to showcase Rumaleji’s unique style and compositions to a wider audience in Mumbai.
