Basavanagudi’s “Namana” exhibition has turned the IIWC Art Gallery into a buzzing community hub, drawing artists, students, and locals alike to a space where creativity meets collaboration. The event, which ran from January 15 to 25, 2026, showcased over 200 pieces and hosted daily workshops, turning a quiet gallery into a vibrant forum for artistic dialogue.
Background/Context
In a city where art often feels confined to galleries and academies, the Namana exhibition Basavanagudi offers a fresh model of community-driven creativity. The IIWC Art Gallery, located on the historic streets of Basavanagudi, has long been a cultural landmark, but the recent transformation reflects a growing trend in Bengaluru: turning art spaces into inclusive, participatory environments. By inviting people from diverse professional backgrounds—engineers, architects, entrepreneurs, retirees, and students—the exhibition underscores the role of art in fostering social cohesion and lifelong learning.
Key Developments
The Namana exhibition Basavanagudi was curated by Sheshadri Mokshagundam, founder of Sheshadri’s Artpourri, who has spent decades nurturing local talent. “We wanted to create a space where art is not just displayed but lived,” Mokshagundam says. The gallery’s red‑oxide floors and warm lighting set a contemplative tone, while interactive stations encouraged visitors to try sketching, watercolor, and even digital illustration.
Key highlights include:
- Over 200 artworks on display, ranging from traditional oil paintings to mixed media installations.
- Daily workshops led by local artists, covering techniques such as pen‑and‑ink portraiture, watercolor washes, and collaborative mural creation.
- Live demonstrations by architect Mangala Madhuchand, who showcased her 124‑piece pen‑and‑ink miniature portrait series, illustrating the intersection of architectural precision and artistic expression.
- Community dialogues featuring panel discussions on art education, the role of creativity in STEM fields, and the future of community art spaces.
- Attendance of more than 3,500 visitors over the ten‑day run, with a significant portion being students and young professionals.
Notably, the exhibition also partnered with local schools to offer free art classes to students, providing them with hands‑on experience and mentorship from seasoned artists.
Impact Analysis
The Namana exhibition Basavanagudi has had a measurable impact on the local community and on the broader art ecosystem in Bengaluru. According to a post‑event survey, 78% of visitors reported feeling more inspired to pursue creative projects, while 65% said they would consider attending future community art events.
For students, the exhibition offers a unique learning environment outside the confines of formal education. “Seeing artists from different walks of life working side by side has broadened my perspective,” says Anitha Rao, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who attended the workshops. “It’s a reminder that creativity is not limited to a single discipline.”
Moreover, the event has stimulated local businesses. Café owners and boutique shops near the gallery reported a 12% increase in foot traffic during the exhibition period, indicating the economic ripple effect of community art initiatives.
Expert Insights/Tips
Art educators and community organizers can draw several lessons from the Namana exhibition Basavanagudi:
- Integrate interdisciplinary approaches: Encourage collaboration between artists and professionals from other fields—engineering, architecture, technology—to create hybrid projects that appeal to a broader audience.
- Offer hands‑on workshops: Interactive sessions lower the barrier to entry for novices and foster a sense of ownership among participants.
- Leverage local talent: Highlight stories of community members who have rediscovered or refined their artistic skills, as Mokshagundam’s studio has done, to inspire others.
- Use data to measure impact: Collect visitor feedback and attendance statistics to demonstrate value to sponsors and stakeholders.
- Build digital presence: Live‑stream workshops and create virtual galleries to reach audiences beyond the physical space.
For students looking to get involved, Mokshagundam advises: “Start with a simple sketch. The key is to experiment without fear of judgment. Every piece you create is a step toward mastery.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the Namana exhibition Basavanagudi signals a shift toward more inclusive, community‑centric art events in Bengaluru. Plans are already underway for a follow‑up exhibition in the upcoming summer, featuring a broader range of media and a stronger emphasis on digital art. Additionally, the IIWC Art Gallery is exploring partnerships with universities to integrate community art projects into curricula, providing students with real‑world experience and exposure to diverse artistic practices.
As Bengaluru continues to grow as a cultural hub, the Namana exhibition Basavanagudi serves as a model for how art spaces can evolve into dynamic community centers that nurture creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
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