Venkatachalapathi's
statues are a testimony to his skills and keen
observation. Born in Devanahalli in 1948, he opted
for the craft of sculpture at a very young age after
obtaining a diploma in painting and sculpture
from Kalamandir School of Arts, Bangalore. He
has bagged the 'National award for Sculptor 1996'
and 'Karnataka Lalita Kala Academy Award'
in recognition of his talent.
His works have been exhibited at the Ramneel
Art Gallery, Bangalore, in 1981. The Youth writers
and artists Guild organised an exhibition of his
works in 1987.
His Works Are On Display At The Following
Places:
National Gallery of Modern Arts, New
Delhi,
Central
Lalitha Kala Academy, New Delhi,
Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, Bangalore,
Cholamandal Artists Village, Madras,
Davanagere
School of arts and crafts, Davanagere,
South
Central Cultural Zone, Nagpur,
Karnataka
Chitra Kala Parishat, Bangalore, Regional
Centre,
Lalitha
Kala Academy, Madras,
Kannada
University, Hampi,
South
Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur,
Department of Kannada and Culture (Kannada
Bhavan), Bangalore and many private
collections in India and abroad.
He has executed many murals in different
mediums-fibreglass, Terracotta, ceramic and stone
for government and private institutions/ organisations.
These include a 12' x 85' fibreglass mural for Ramsons
Handicrafts Emporium, Mysore; Terracotta, Aluminium,
and Plaster Murals and sculptors for Jindal Aluminium
company, Bangalore; Fibreglass Mural for Gunasheela
Nursing Home, Bangalore; 12' x 12' plaster mural
for Thontadarya Mutt Kalyana Mantap, Gadag, in Karnataka;
6' x 6' x 2' model of Mahanavami Dibba of Hampi
in fibreglass for the Archaeological Survey of India;
18' x 7' fibre mural for Hampi University, Hampi,
Venkatachalapathi
is also into training young, up-coming artistes.
He has directed a sculpture workshop in fibreglass
medium for Kalamandalam at Dharwad in 1994. The
Lalitha Kala Academy at Mangalore sought his assistance
in directing a terracotta sculpture workshop. He
has also conducted terracotta, plaster and patter
mesh medium workshops for Nirmal's Art Centre for
Children, Bangalore.
He is a member of the Bangalore Beautification Committee
and advisory committee member, board of studies,
Kuvempu University, Shimoga. He has served as a
member of Karnataka Lalitha Kala Academy, 1995-
98. He has held several modelling demonstrations
at various Art institutions in Karnataka.
Address: #70, 10/3, Ittamadu,
1st Main Road, III State,
Bangalore 560 085 Phone: 2669 0366. Email: venkatachallapati_52@yahoo.com