Kole Basava

Artist:

  • Kariyappa Hanchinamani

Kole Basava (ಕೋಲೆ ಬಸವ) is a term in Kannada, a language spoken primarily in Karnataka, India. Kole (ಕೋಲೆ) means “tied” or “trained” and Basava (ಬಸವ) means “bull”

Kole Basava refers to a trained bull used in folk traditions and religious rituals in Karnataka. These bulls are often adorned with decorations and accompanied by their handlers, who sing devotional songs and seek alms from people. This tradition is deeply rooted in Karnataka’s rural culture, particularly among the Basava (Lingayat) community.

The practice is associated with Basavanna, a 12th-century saint and philosopher, and is considered a form of spreading religious and cultural messages through performance.

36 x 36 inches
Acrylic on canvas
Square
Clear
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ABOUT KARIYAPPA HANCHINAMANI
Celebrating Rural India through Art

Kariyappa Hanchinamani, a distinguished artist from Haveri, Karnataka, is known for his vibrant acrylic paintings that capture the essence of India’s rich rural culture. With a distinctive technique that blends expressive brush and knife strokes, his work is a rhythmic interplay of color, movement, and tradition.

Kariyappa holds an Art Master Diploma and a Diploma in Fine Art from Fine Art College, Rattihalli. Deeply inspired by Karnataka’s diverse heritage, he has developed a unique style that merges speed and harmony, using bright hues to reflect the raw beauty of rural life. His paintings often depict traditional customs, daily life, and the spiritual connection between the visible and the infinite.

Believing that art is a bridge between tradition and modernity, Kariyappa strives to preserve the legacy of Indian rural life while constantly pushing creative boundaries. Through his vivid storytelling on canvas, he ensures that the customs, rituals, and spirit of the countryside remain alive for generations to come.

With a career spanning decades of artistic excellence, awards, and international recognition, Kariyappa Hanchinamani stands as a true custodian of India’s rural heritage in contemporary art.

Exhibitions & Recognition
His artistic journey spans solo and group exhibitions in India and abroad, including prestigious venues like Nehru Centre (London), A Jain Marunouchi Art Gallery (New York), Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (Bangalore), and Lalit Kala Akademi (New Delhi). He has also showcased his work at international platforms such as the Global Art Fair (Mumbai) and Kala Mela (New Delhi).

Over the years, Kariyappa has received numerous accolades, including the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold Medal (2021), Karnataka Lalit Kala Akademi Award (2018), and the 85th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana Best Painting Award (2019). He has also been honored by several cultural organizations and public institutions for his contributions to the art world.

Workshops & Community Engagement
As an advocate for artistic innovation, Kariyappa has directed and participated in state and national-level painting camps, focusing on themes like folklore, nature, and social harmony. His leadership in these camps reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists. He has also conducted demonstrations and workshops across India, including sessions in Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Mysore, as well as a special Kannada Rajyotsava program in London.

Size

36 x 36 inches

Medium

Acrylic on canvas

Orientation

Square