By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean Mangalore

Mangalore, February 20, 2009: "Art washes from the soul dust of everyday life" said famous artist Pablo Picasso. The city of Mangalore which has become dusty these days now has a new art gallery- Orchid Art Gallery in Balmatta as if to wash the dust raised by the recent disturbances. The new, well appointed Orchid art Gallery was inaugurated on 8th February by the Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’ Souza.

Things such as art are the results of creative genius and often are the response to the given situation. Orchid Art Gallery which was in the forefront of identifying the artistic talents was operating from a small place in Kadri. The new Gallery, a spacious one, gives one an opportunity to view art works in the most appropriate ambience. Orchid Art Gallery has so far seven  shows to its credit. 

"Our strong belief, that without a creative vigour and quest for knowledge more about the things around us, we remain a retrogressive culture, often basking on the laurels of the past alone" says William Pais the director of the gallery. ‘Therefore, without a creative present, life will remain anemic. Our efforts are towards infusing art into everyday life and enriched art takes its inputs from life.’ he adds.

Currently the gallery features group art show from three Delhi artist- Arnab Mitra, Sushnato Chattopadhyay, and Deb Dulal Dutta. The show will go on till 28th of February. The exhibition has 22 art works in different style that is unique and new to the city of Mangalore.

In the months to come, the gallery plans to have several art shows with well known Indian Christian artist Jyoti Sahi will be having his exhibition in April and veteran artist Peter Lewis will exhibit his works in the month of May. The gallery will also feature classical music shows from time to time and March 14th will have Vidyashree rendering carnatic vocal concert.