Posted on 13 April 2026:
International Painters’ Camp 2026 — A Global Canvas of Creativity in Bengaluru
From 28th March to 1st April 2026, the Krishna Setty Foundation, in association with Nature Notes, Bengaluru, hosted the International Painters’ Camp — a radiant celebration of creativity and cultural exchange. This landmark initiative brought together eighteen distinguished artists from across the world, including participants from Austria, Italy, Singapore, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Lebanon, alongside eminent Indian painters.
Conceived not merely as an exhibition but as an immersive creative residency, the camp unfolded within the serene natural surroundings of Nature Knots. Its quiet expanses and organic rhythms offered an evocative setting where artistic processes could evolve in close dialogue with the environment.
The camp emphasized process over product, foregrounding interaction, observation and exchange. Artists worked in proximity, responding to one another’s gestures and silences, creating a living field of experimentation where diverse approaches coexisted without the need for convergence into a single narrative.
A significant presence was Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Das, whose engagement brought depth and continuity.
Equally vital was the role of veteran artist Krishna Setty C.S., who participated actively while steering the camp with thoughtful planning and professional execution. His vision ensured a seamless environment where creativity could flourish without constraint.
A Confluence of Global Artistry in Bengaluru
The International Painters’ Camp 2026, became a radiant confluence of artistic voices from across the globe. Featuring international artists such as Clemens B. Sou, Julia Chubutkina, Achala Gunawardhana, Sudath Abeysekara, and P. Gnana, alongside eminent Indian painters including Kariyappa Hanchinamani, Basuki Dasgupta, Rama Suresh, Vijay Dhore, K.K. Gandhi, Praveen Kumar, Mintu Deka, Prabhu Harasur, Madan Lal, Kandan G., G. Subramanian and Krishna Setty himself, the camp unfolded as a pluralistic creative atmosphere where distinct sensibilities met in harmony.
Chitra Parishe — Expanding the Dialogue
A highlight of the camp was the one‑day Art Mela, Chitra Parishe, held on 29 March and inaugurated by Padma Bhushan awardee Jatin Das. With over 120 artists participating, the camp transformed into an open, public‑facing platform where boundaries between creators and audiences dissolved. Live art performances by Dimple B. Shah, Jeetin Ranger, Monica Nanjunda, Shivaprasad K.T., Smitha Cariappa, and Sridhara T. Gangolli added a performative dimension, while a special dance presentation by Roopa Ravindran inspired spontaneous live sketching — capturing movement and expression in real time.
Interdisciplinary Evenings
The evenings introduced a vibrant interdisciplinary layer. The world fusion music concert Svara, led by Martin Dubois (France) and his ensemble, created a captivating auditory experience. This was beautifully complemented by contemporary fusion dance performances by Shweta Vinyas and Niranjan, enriching the atmosphere with rhythm, movement and cultural resonance.
The camp drew to a graceful close on April 1, with each artist honored through finely crafted bronze mementoes — a symbol of shared creativity. Guided by the seamless coordination of Ganapathi S. Hegde, Ganesh Doddamani and Mamta Bora, the residency flowed with quiet precision, now culminating in an exhibition of its works at Dwija Art Gallery, Bengaluru from 17–26 April 2026.
The International Painters’ Camp 2026 shone as a luminous testament to art as dialogue — where global voices met nature in harmony, weaving tradition and innovation.
