Bengaluru Artist Prabha Mallesh Continues Creative Journey at 81
In Bengaluru, where many might expect retirement and relaxation, Prabha Mallesh demonstrates that artistic passion knows no age limits. At 81 years old, this dedicated Mysore-style painter maintains her steady brushwork and clear purpose with the same quiet determination that has characterized her career for more than five decades.
A Lifetime of Artistic Achievement
With an impressive portfolio exceeding 600 paintings, Prabha Mallesh remains motivated by a fundamental conviction that art deserves a place in households everywhere. Her family has undertaken the significant task of documenting her extensive artistic journey spanning over fifty years. This documentation culminates in a special collection titled "Rooted in Gold – The times art of Mysore painting", scheduled for unveiling in Bengaluru this Sunday.
Humble Beginnings and Artistic Evolution
Prabha's artistic initiation didn't occur in formal classrooms or professional studios. Instead, it blossomed in the rural setting of Chikkamagaluru, nurtured by everyday experiences and family influences. "I observed my mother sketching casually, absorbed mythological stories from my father, and explored my grandfather Bagmane Chinna Gowda's home in Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru district, where art existed not for prestige but for genuine affection," she reminisced.
Among the artworks her grandfather collected were prints by the legendary Raja Ravi Varma, images that subtly imprinted themselves on her young mind. However, her formal artistic engagement commenced only after marriage, when she relocated to Bengaluru and joined the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP).
Mastering and Transforming Mysore Painting
Deeply rooted in tradition, Mysore-style painting is renowned for its:
- Delicate lines and intricate brushwork
- Gold leaf detailing
- Vibrant vegetable colors depicting deities and mythological narratives
While embracing this traditional form, Prabha gradually redefined it through her unique artistic vision. Her work became distinguished by:
- A subdued, muted color palette
- Expressive, emotionally resonant faces
- The innovative introduction of three-dimensional depth
Under the mentorship of Nanjunda Rao, a founding member and former secretary of CKP, and Subramanya Raju, a renowned artist associated with Mysore Palace, Prabha developed her distinctive visual language.
Artistic Philosophy and Expanding Themes
"My color usage evolved as I gravitated toward muted, understated tones – gentler and more contemplative. The facial expressions in my paintings gradually became defining elements, conveying emotion and presence. I gradually transitioned from recreating existing works to developing original compositions," she explained.
Her inspiration sources were diverse, ranging from temple sculptures and historical photographs to fleeting personal memories. Prabha has accomplished the remarkable feat of painting the entire Ramayana epic. As her work gained international admirers in countries including the United Kingdom and United States, her thematic scope expanded significantly.
She created the celebrated palace series depicting royalty, courtesans, and dancers, and progressed to painting vases, horses, and Nandi figures – all while preserving the essential Mysore form while broadening its contemporary appeal.
National Recognition and Enduring Legacy
Prabha Mallesh's substantial contributions to Indian art have earned her widespread recognition through numerous prestigious awards:
- Mysore Dasara Award
- Karnataka State Award
- CKP All India Exhibition Award
- National Award
- Shilpa Guru Award (presented by the President of India in 1999 and 2013)
Two of her paintings were selected by the Karnataka government for official Indian postcards, serving as enduring testaments to an artist who continues creating meaningful work well into her eighties. Her story represents not just artistic achievement but the triumph of lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and creative innovation.
