Bengaluru: Octogenarian Kuppanna Kandagal is a shy-natured gentleman, despite a series of accomplishments throughout his personal life, professional career, and passion for painting.
Interest in painting from the teenage years: Kuppanna is a native of Lingasugur in Raichur district. He developed an interest in drawing as a teenager, aged 14-15 years. However, his father prevented him from pursuing art as a career, as he had his own doubts about drawing and painting to make ends meet in the long run. Kuppanna, being a mild-mannered and soft-spoken person, didn't go against his dad's wishes. He completed a diploma in Engineering from Raichur College. In between, he had developed a tendency to go through the artworks in English and Hindi weeklies.
Paintings make an impact: The big drawings and paintings published in the Illustrated Weekly of India, an English weekly magazine and the "Dharmayuga" Hindi periodical had a mesmerising influence on the young mind. He was greatly inspired by the printed paintings and landscapes.
A letter of appreciation by D.V. Halabhavi: For having developed curiosity in drawing and painting, Kuppanna had developed a fond habit of visiting art exhibitions. He had also developed a penchant for going to places to quench his thirst for experiencing art. Once, he happened to go to Dharwad and visited the " School of Art" run by D.V.Halabhavi, was impressed by the young Kuppanna's artworks, and showered him with nice words of appreciation. Later, D.V. Halabhavi also wrote a letter to Kuppanna Kandagal, advising him to pursue the art course. But due to domestic compulsions at home, the advice didn't get the intended response from Kuppanna.
Posting in Kalaburagi: During his state government service, as an engineer with the Public Works Department(PWD), from 1973 to 1975, at Kalaburagi happened to meet V G Andani. Then, V.G. Andani had just begun his art school in a small way with a few students. Kuppanna had made it a regular habit to visit V.G.Andani's art school. The school happened to be an eye-opener to the art world for the enthusiast Kuppanna.
A self-made artist: Although Kuppanna paid regular visits religiously to V.G. Andani's Art School, the honeymoon lasted only for two years. He returned to Koppal on a transfer, and it was only after two decades, i.e., in 1991, that he went back to Kalburgi, again on a transfer. In the meantime, he continued his solo journey all by himself in the field of art. A self taught practioner, he participated in several art exhibitions.
Full fledged Committment after retirement: Kuppanna retired from government service in 2004, for official records. But that also culminated in plunging into the art world later on. For the past 21 years, he has committed himself to the field of art.
Aim to become a good artist: A retired assistant executive engineer, Kuppanna, submits: "To start with and to date, my only mission in life has been to become a good artist. Unlike the current trend of becoming famous and bagging awards, which was of little concern to me".
Satisfaction with the exhibition: Kuppanna's exhibition with the theme 'Forms in Search of Space' at the Chitra Kala Parishat in the city from 20th to 24th December, 2025, has just concluded, and he is overwhelmed by the turnout, feedback and appreciation for the same. He exclaims," It happened to be a penance and challenge of two years, and I have satisfaction over the tremendous reactions.
Artists are young in mind: Apart from excelling in a unique style of painting, abstract in black and white, generally considered a different proposition, he asserts them to be his speciality. When wondered about his ever-growing quest, zeal and enthusiasm, Kuppanna Kandagal hits back. It is the characteristic of total submission of himself to painting that keeps an artist young in mind and art...
...Artists tend to live up to 90, 94-95 years: As a natural corollary of submitting oneself totally to the art field chosen, artists generally live a meaningful life up to the age of 90, 94-95 years. This is possible because the brain, mind and body remain in sync with all the activities".
TV, cellphone and social media will rot the brain: Kuppanna is equally vocal about the present practice of people over indulging with TV, cell phone and social media. He also becomes candid and clear in his opinion, one's addiction to the TV, cell phone and social media will only pave the way for brain rot. All these things may be required for the younger generation and not the artists.
Daily practice of 4-5 hours: Kuppanna also opines: " Generally, musicians practice daily for a minimum of three hours. This helps them to be in form in their respective art forms. Likewise, I also keep practising for 4-5 hours every day, and this routine has kept me in good health.
Read, study and practice: Kuppanna advocates "Aspiring artists should adapt a rigid routine of reading, studying and practising. It is hard work which ultimately matters. One should read literature, including the life histories of great artists. It is also important to read reviews of the exhibitions and study the styles of contemporary artists."
Art itself encouraged: When pondered over as to who encouraged him to adopt the art path, Kuppanna Kandagal informs, Art artists and art works inspired and encouraged me. I had been a keen observer of artworks all along, and the tendency has continued to encourage me. We can only try to attempt to become perfect, but there is nothing like perfection. On the other hand, the imperfection state is the best.
Enjoy whatever you do: He is also of the firm opinion, "Calmness is an important element in art and all my works give the viewer an impression of being calm, peaceful and happy."
A minimalist with the same base: Kuppanna Kandagal signs off by informing, " I have always remained minimalist, when itcomes to the choice of colours and theme, whilecompostion in black and white has been my favourite, other colours' role is considerably negligible. After the success of the recent show, I am planning to work with another theme, but the base shall remain the same".
-Manohar Yadavatti
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