Dharwad: Prof Babu Jattakar, veteran artist, former Principal of the College of Fine Arts, Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishat, Bengaluru, did a three-day programme featuring his exhibition of selected pen and ink drawings, lecture cum demonstration, slide show and interactive session with the students of the Government College of Fine Arts, here.
First such initiative of the Chitrakala Shilpi Shri D V Halbhavi National Memorial Trust: Incidentally, this happened to be the first such initiative of the Chitrakala Shilpi Shri D V Halbhavi National Memorial Trust, under the aegis of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka.
Veteran artists grace the occasion: The three-day programme also turned out to be a meet the programme of stalwarts in the art field. Suresh Kulkarni, a household name in the art, education, philosophy and philanthropic circles turned up for the lecture cum demonstration programme.
Shower of admiration: Septuagenarian artist, and a bundle of multiple talents,
Suresh Kulkarni was delighted at the outcome of the artistic skill sets of Prof Babu Jattakar. He appreciated the efforts of Prof S K Pattar, Principal of the Government College of Fine Arts, in making the walls and campus of the college a picturesque space in the cultural capital city of Dharwad. He felicitated, both, Prof Babu Jattakar and Prof S K Pattar, in his personal capacity.
Art teachers praise the art works of Prof Babu Jattakar:
Lines Are the Mother of Art: The very essence of drawing and painting lies in the line. For students learning the art of painting, practising lines is of paramount importance. In this context, the exhibition and demonstration of Prof. Babu Jatkar’s nature drawings created through simple lines offer an extremely valuable and meaningful learning experience for students.
Prof. Babu Jattakar's drawings demonstrate how even a simple medium such as a pen can open up an expansive visual world. There is no unnecessary ornamentation in his lines; yet every line carries a distinct vision, movement, and vitality.
The subtle interplay of light and shade, the concept of observational representation, the simplicity of his lines, and their speed and rhythm are beautifully expressed in his works. His drawings prove that a line need not remain merely a mark—it can convey light and shadow, distance and perspective, form and emotion, and the very vitality of nature.
For students of art in particular, his demonstration is not merely a lesson in drawing lines, but a lesson in learning to see through lines. His works introduce them to the beauty inherent in simplicity and to the artistic ability to convey profound meaning through the fewest possible strokes.
-Dr. Shankar Kundagol.
Prof. Babu Jattakar: A Living Embodiment of Simplicity, Art and Inspiration: A white car arrived at the Art Gallery of the Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad. The person who stepped out of the car approached those waiting to receive him with a warm smile. With an exuberant expression, he shook hands with everyone and enquired about their well-being. Slender in build and always wearing a cheerful smile, the person was none other than Prof. Babu Jattakar Sir.
The D. V. Halabhavi National Memorial Trust, Dharwad, had embarked upon a meaningful new initiative of inviting eminent artists of Karnataka and organising exhibitions of their artworks, live demonstrations and interactive sessions. Prof. Babu Jathakar Sir had come to inaugurate and participate in this initiative.
A three-day programme featuring his exhibition, demonstration and interaction with students was held at the Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad, on 20, 21 and 22 August.
I have known Prof. Babu Jattakar since my student days. I first met him at an art workshop when I was studying at the M.M.K. College of Visual Art, Kalaburagi. From that very first meeting, what impressed me was his simplicity, warmth and ability to mingle naturally with everyone. He has a remarkably friendly way of interacting with students, discussing their work and explaining various aspects of art in a simple and accessible manner.
Day One: Exhibition of His Artworks
On 20 August, the first day of the programme, an exhibition of Prof. Babu Jattakar's artworks was organised.
The exhibition featured several of his works executed predominantly in pen and ink, along with a few works enhanced with delicate touches of colour. His artworks revealed a distinctive artistic language in which simple lines were used to capture the beauty and essence of nature.
A large part of his work portrays trees, plants, old architectural structures, ruined walls and various natural landscapes. His pen-and-ink drawings, in particular, reflected his keen observation of nature and his sensitive artistic vision.
Day Two: An Inspiring Live Demonstration
On 21 August, the second day of the programme, a live painting demonstration was organised.
Using the pen medium, Prof. Jattakar created a small-format black-and-white nature study. He then demonstrated another nature composition on canvas using sepia tones.
The demonstration was not merely a display of his technique; it became a lively interaction with the students.
As he worked, he engaged with the students, explaining in a simple and engaging manner the possibilities of different artistic media and the ways in which they could be used in the creation of artworks. Through his demonstration, he explained the relationship between line, form, light and shade, colour and medium.
It was a rare opportunity for students to witness an experienced artist translating his artistic understanding directly onto the canvas before their eyes.
Day Three: A Journey Through His Artistic Career
On 22 August, the final day of the programme, a slide presentation of Prof. Babu Jattakar's artworks followed by an interactive session was organised.
Through the slide show, he presented numerous nature studies, still-life works and creative compositions created at different stages of his artistic journey. He spoke about the ideas, experiences, inspirations and processes behind many of his works, sharing his insights with both the students and the audience.
His presentation made one thing particularly clear: a work of art is not merely an image on a canvas. Behind every artwork lies the artist’s way of seeing, personal experience, sensitivity, study and years of sustained practice.
Three Days of Art, Learning and Inspiration:
The three-day programme with Prof. Babu Jattakar can truly be described as meaningful, enriching and fruitful.
Through the exhibition, students were introduced to his artistic world. Through the live demonstration, they had the opportunity to observe the process of creating an artwork. Through the interaction, they gained an insight into his long and inspiring artistic journey.
What makes Prof. Babu Jattakar particularly admirable is that his personality is as appealing as his art. His simplicity, his warmth towards students, his enthusiasm for art and his vibrant energy were all deeply inspiring to the young artists.
When an accomplished senior artist shares his knowledge and experience with the next generation, his artistic journey gains an even greater meaning. In this sense, Prof. Babu Jathakar’s presence for these three days was a rare and valuable learning experience for the students.
I express my heartfelt and profound gratitude to Prof. Babu Jattakar Sir, for visiting our institution and generously sharing his artistic knowledge, experience and creative insights with the students.
I also extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of the Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad, to the D. V. Halabhavi National Memorial Trust, Dharwad, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to organise this remarkable and meaningful programme.
Such initiatives provide students not merely with an opportunity to see great art, but also with the privilege of learning directly from those who have dedicated their lives to it.
-Muniyappa, Guest Lecturer
Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad.
Reflections on Senior Artist Prof Babu Jattakar: I have known Prof Babu Jattakar, a senior artist from Bengaluru, since my student days at M.M.K. College of Visual Art, Kalaburagi. I have had the opportunity to observe his artistic creations, techniques, and personality closely over the years.
Recently, I was fortunate to meet him once again at the Art Interaction with Achievers” programme organised by the Shri D. V. Halbhavi National Memorial (Regd.) Trust.
What was particularly valuable was his patience, simplicity, and willingness to offer insightful suggestions and guidance that were extremely useful to our students. His gentle and warm personality, combined with his deep artistic understanding, made his live art demonstration and interaction with the students truly memorable.
The entire session touched the hearts of everyone present and provided our students with an inspiring and enriching artistic talent.
-Shivaprasad, Guest Lecturer,
Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad.
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