Mangaluru: Traditional art forms linked to Tulunadu’s rich cultural traditions came alive for around 60 schoolchildren at a one-day mask-making and face-painting workshop organised by the Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), in association with HECS-Intach and the Intach Heritage Club of govt High School, Manchi-Kolnadu.Held recently at Govt High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, the workshop introduced students to the art of mask-making and face painting, practices closely associated with Yakshagana and Bhootakola.Addressing the gathering, Subhash Chandra Basu, convener of Intach Mangaluru chapter, stressed the need to preserve the region’s traditional arts and cultural heritage. “If students develop an interest in these traditions from a young age, it will contribute to preserving our history and heritage,” he observed.
Artist Harish Kodialbail demonstrating face painting
Artist and Intach Mangaluru chapter executive committee member Rajendra Kedige said such activities help students develop artistic skills while nurturing creativity and personality. “When children grow up with an appreciation of art, they develop a deeper awareness and sensitivity towards it,” he said.Artist Harish Kodialbail demonstrated mask-making techniques and introduced students to creating facial moulds using plaster of Paris and cloth. Working in groups, the participants created their own masks.Artist Reshma S. guided students through the face-painting process and the preparation and use of natural colours. Students learned to prepare colours from naturally available materials, experimented with shades and patterns, and later painted the masks using colour schemes inspired by Yakshagana characters.The workshop also explored how colour, form and pattern communicate character, identity and cultural meaning. Students from govt High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Noojibailu Aided School, Monthimaru School, Ira Primary School and Puddottu School participated. Certificates were presented to all participants.
