In the world of art, the name Rumale Channabasavaiah holds a distinguished place, often paralleled with the western titan of post-impressionism, Vincent van Gogh. This extraordinary painter, affectionately dubbed the ‘Van Gogh of Karnataka,’ is celebrated for his spirited use of colors and dynamic compositions that echo the essence of Van Gogh while deeply rooted in the landscapes of Bengaluru and rural Karnataka.
Channabasavaiah’s artistic journey was marked by significant highs and an untimely tragic end. His career, which began relatively late, culminated in a body of work that he completed on January 27, 1988, at the age of 78, in Sadashivnagar’s Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Tragically, the next day, while on his way back from Lal Bagh — where he had been meticulously studying a flower — Rumale was fatally struck by a speeding bus. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after, marking an abrupt and sorrowful conclusion to his vibrant life.
Despite his sudden passing, Rumale left behind a rich tapestry of artwork that continues to celebrate the erstwhile beauty of Bengaluru. His paintings, which capture the city’s lush botanical heritage, evoke a deep sense of nostalgia among residents. They simultaneously serve as poignant reminders of the imperative to preserve natural landscapes amidst rampant urbanization. His depictions highlight the damaging consequences of modernization not only on Bengaluru’s landscapes but also on the broader rural scenery of Karnataka.
Beyond his artistic prowess, Rumale Channabasavaiah led a life deeply intertwined with the spiritual and the political. A committed freedom fighter from the Old Mysore region, Rumale was a familiar figure in khadi, symbolic of his allegiance to India’s independence movement. He was imprisoned multiple times by British authorities during the 1930s, enduring the hardships of colonial brutality. Notably, he survived the Viduraswatha firing — referred to as the ‘Jallianwala Bagh of the South’ — and shared imprisonment with Jawaharlal Nehru in Visapur jail. His active participation in pivotal movements such as the salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement underscores his unwavering dedication to his motherland.
To honor this illustrious individual on what would have been his 114th birth anniversary on September 15, artists from across Karnataka will gather at the Rumale Art Gallery in Rajajinagar. This celebration also coincides with the 79th edition of Art Park, an initiative pioneered by the renowned artist SG Vasudev, designed to make art accessible to the masses.
“Sanjay Kabe, Rumale’s foster son, has been a significant supporter of our Art Park initiatives,” Mr. Vasudev remarked.
. “A few months ago, he expressed a desire to celebrate Rumale’s 114th birthday. We decided that an Art Park tribute would be the perfect way to honor his legacy. Rumale’s contributions to Karnataka’s art scene are immense, and it’s only fitting that the artist community comes together to remember him. When I proposed the idea to fellow artists, both senior and junior, they were all enthusiastic about participating.”
Reflecting on his own artistic journey, Mr. Vasudev shared two poignant memories connected to Rumale. “Before I became a professional painter, I created a cartoon of Laurel and Hardy and sent it to Tainadu, which was a prominent Kannada newspaper then. Rumale, who was the editor, was impressed by my work and encouraged me to continue pushing my artistic boundaries.”
Years later, during his studies in Chennai, Mr. Vasudev reconnected with Rumale through his teacher, KCS Paniker. The support and generosity shown by Rumale left a lasting impact on him. “While Rumale was undoubtedly influenced by Van Gogh, he cultivated a unique style all his own. His brilliant use of color and profound focus on Bangalore’s landscapes set him apart.”
Rumale’s dedication to his craft was evident despite his late start in the field. “His approach to painting, particularly his preference for working en plein air, distinguished him from his contemporaries,” Mr. Vasudev noted. “His on-site painting techniques allowed him to authentically capture the atmosphere and colors of his environments, infusing his works with immediacy and life.”
As noted, the celebration of Rumale Channabasavaiah’s legacy on his 114th birth anniversary promises to be a fitting tribute to an artist whose impact on Karnataka’s cultural and artistic heritage remains unparalleled. The event aims not only to honor his memory but to inspire future generations of artists to draw from his dedication, talent, and profound love for his homeland.
