'Mana Samskruthi', a celebration of colours and culture

The first-floor auditorium of Balotsav Bhavan in Vijayawada glowed like a living canvas on Sunday, as the art exhibition “Mana Samskruthi” transformed the place into a vibrant celebration of hues and stories. The venue hummed with creative energy, from the delicate brushstrokes of Kondapalli artistry to the bold abstractions of Andhra’s folk traditions.

A steady stream of visitors of all ages—students, families, art enthusiasts, and curious onlookers moved through the hallway, pausing often before a particularly captivating piece. Some discussed techniques, while others simply stood still, lost in the interplay of colour and emotion. A total of 100 artists drawn from districts across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Telangana participated in the event.

Each painting had a story to tell, of heritage, of struggle, of joy and of an unbroken thread of tradition passed down through generations. The Art Associations’ Guild, which organised the exhibition, adorned the space with thoughtful depictions that evoked myriad emotions.

Yet beneath the festive spirit, a note of concern rippled through conversations. “In this age of digital art and artificial intelligence, we are worried not just about our livelihoods but about losing the soul of our work,” said P. Ramesh, the convener of the Guild. His words echoed the anxiety shared by many of the participants, who fear that in the rush towards technology, the authenticity and emotional depth of traditional art might be overshadowed.

Happy with the public response, Mr. Ramesh said that events like 'Mana Samskruthi' are vital as they stand as a testament to the resilience of tradition and the enduring human touch that no algorithm can replicate. By evening, the exhibition had not only showcased art, it had rekindled a collective pride in the region’s rich cultural heritage, reminding every visitor that to preserve art is to preserve identity.

Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad presented certificates and felicitated the participants with mementoes. Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Culture Commission Chairperson P. Tejaswi, AP State Telugu and Sanskrit Academy Chairman R. D. Wilson (Sarat Chandra) along with others participated.