Bengaluru is where Dr. M. S. Murthy was born in 1960. He is a writer, sculptor, muralist, and artist. He received his doctorate from Kannada University in Hampi, Karnataka, and his diploma in fine arts and modelling from the Karnataka Chithra Kala Parishad.
From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Murthy presided over the Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy. Several public and private collections in India and beyond, such as the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru, the Alliance Française in Bengaluru, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi, hold his works.
Over 25 solo exhibitions have been organised by Dr. Murthy in India. He has also taken part in exhibitions at the state, national, and international levels. He received the Iran Academy of Arts’ International Biennial Award in 2003, and the Karnataka Sahithya Academy Award for his essay collection DesiNagu was given to him in 2006. He received the Rajyotsava Award from the Karnataka government in 2010 in recognition of his artistic accomplishments. Varnashilpi Venkatappa Prashasti, the Karnataka government’s lifetime achievement award, was given out in 2017. He served as the Jain College of Visual Arts’ Chief Academic Councillor in Bengaluru. In addition to curating exhibitions, he has given presentations at art seminars and served on juries for numerous state and national art exhibitions.
With the opening of MS Murthy’s Art Exhibition, the MS Murthy Lalitha Kala Arts Gallery in Mutyalampadu, Vijayawada, became the centre of attention in a colourful celebration of art and culture. The Andhra Academy of Arts hosted the event, which demonstrated the close relationship between the advancement of fine arts and humankind’s evolution, as stated by Swamiji Vinishchilananda of the Ramakrishna Mission at the opening ceremony.
Using Art as a Tool for Tolerance and Peace
Swamiji Vinishchilananda underlined the value of art in society and its capacity to foster intercommunal harmony and tolerance. An audio-visual short film by MS Murthy was also released during the event, highlighting the artist’s commitment to using his medium to depict intensely sentimental and spiritual topics. Executive Officer KS Rama Rao pondered the tenacity of Indian culture over the years and its guiding principles of tolerance and peace, attributing these attributes to India’s capacity to repel multiple invasions.
The Legacy and Contribution of MS Murthy
Speaking at the event was MV Saibabu, the Academy Secretary, who praised MS Murthy’s creative brilliance and the ongoing efforts to maintain this legacy. Murthy has made a tremendous contribution to the art world. In addition, the occasion provided a venue for honouring prominent members of the art world for their accomplishments, including painter Osman Khan and 64dreams.com editor Kalasagar. In addition, the college art competition winners were honoured, demonstrating the academy’s dedication to developing fresh talent.
Participation of the Community and Cultural Preservation
In addition to showcasing MS Murthy’s deep work, the exhibition and movie showing served as a community resource for cultural appreciation and preservation. Participants were reminded of the value of preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and the contribution of the arts to the development of a more accepting and peaceful society, including social activist Yalamanchili Anjani and physician Bezawada Paparao. The occasion brought to light the crucial role that discipline plays in the creative process—a quality that is necessary for both artistic and personal growth, as was discussed in a recent RedDotBlog post.
In addition to celebrating MS Murthy’s centenary, this event served as a moving reminder of the ability of art to unite people from all backgrounds and promote tolerance and understanding in society. The exhibition’s sustained popularity is proof of the lasting influence of Indian culture and the eternal value of its creative representations.