Kerala Mural Artist Honored with Rashtrapati Bhavan Residency
In a prestigious recognition of traditional Indian art, Kochi-based mural artist Basanth Peringode was among the select group of artists invited by Rashtrapati Bhavan to participate in a special week-long residency program. The initiative, part of the Kala Utsav artists-in-residence programme, aimed to celebrate and preserve the nation's rich artistic heritage.
Creating Art at the Presidential Palace
Peringode, a resident of Edappally in Kochi, spent a week living at the presidential palace, where he completed a magnificent mural painting. His work depicted the classic Pachatantra tale of the elephant and the woodpecker, executed in the authentic and intricate traditional Kerala mural style. "The work was done on canvas while staying at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was a truly wonderful and inspiring experience," Peringode recounted, highlighting the unique opportunity to create art within such a historic setting.
President Murmu's Engagement with Artists
During the programme, President Droupadi Murmu personally met with Peringode and the other participating artists, who represented various traditional painting and mural art forms from across India. The artists-in-residence programme Kala Utsav serves as a powerful reaffirmation of the vital role that living art traditions play in preserving cultural identity and inspiring future generations.
"President Murmu was quite fascinated by the detailing in our Kerala mural style," Peringode shared. "All the artists selected Pachatantra tales for their paintings, showcasing works in diverse forms such as Madhubani and Gond tribal art styles. She expressed her deep appreciation for our Kerala mural art, which was incredibly encouraging."
Programme Details and Legacy
The Kala Utsav programme commenced on March 18 and provided a platform for artists to immerse themselves in their craft while promoting India's artistic diversity. Following the residency, the artwork created by Peringode and his peers will be permanently displayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum, ensuring that these cultural treasures are preserved and accessible to the public.
This initiative not only honors individual artists like Basanth Peringode but also underscores the government's commitment to nurturing and showcasing India's traditional art forms on a national stage.
