It is frequently observed that delving into your own backyard can uncover hidden treasures, and this statement certainly holds true for a city such as namma Bengaluru. While wandering through the bylanes of Rajajinagar, I stumbled upon an absolute gem — the Rumale Art House. Nestled amid residential homes, this small yet captivating gallery is dedicated to showcasing the works of the gifted Rumale Chennabasaviah.
A multifaceted personality in every sense of the word, Rumale Chennabasaviah (1910-1988) was not only an accomplished artist but also a formidable freedom fighter, an ardent social activist, and an editor. Housed in his former residence, the Rumale Art House holds around 120 original works by the artist and is managed by Sanjay Kabe, whose father shared a close camaraderie with Rumale. “We have about 90 frames on display at any point. We keep alternating the canvases which keep the space fresh throughout the year,” Sanjay explains.
The Rumale Art House, established in 1973, stands as one of Bengaluru’s oldest art galleries. Born in 1910, Rumale played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, participating in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance movement from 1930 to 1947. Post-independence, from 1947 to 1962, he actively engaged in numerous nation-building activities, notably setting up Seva Dal, which trained youth for national service.
Twice elected as a Member of the Legislative Council for the Mysore state, Rumale also served as an editor for the Kannada daily, Tainadu. Despite his numerous engagements, art was always Rumale’s first love. Having pursued formal education in art at the Kalamandir School of Art at Chamarajendra Technical Institute in Mysore, he committed himself to his artistic passion entirely after bidding adieu to politics in 1962.
The natural landscapes and city streets of Bengaluru were the predominant subjects of Rumale’s artwork. He mostly used watercolors and oil paints, with his works characterized by swift, sharp brushstrokes and a liberal use of vibrant colors. “Rumale was naturally gifted and adept at mixing colors on the paper itself, giving his artwork a unique texture. Bold strokes were his signature style,” Sanjay, closely associated with the artist’s life, recounts. Remarkably similar to the impasto technique, Rumale employed this method in all his plein-air paintings, drawing stylistic parallels to Dutch master Vincent Van Gogh.
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Whether portraying the yellow blooms of Navrang Park in Rajajinagar or the bright orange Gulmohars in Cubbon Park, his works exude a buoyancy and depth that are unmistakable. “He was always thorough in his preparation—he would visit a location, study the subject, and start painting at the venue when the light was right,” Sanjay adds, recalling his frequent companionship on Rumale’s quests. Alongside nature, Rumale’s depictions of old residences and petrol stations also display a refreshing appeal, making them a visual feast.
Rumale Chennabasaviah was deeply spiritual, adhering to the teachings of mentors Guru Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj and Shreeman Tapaswiji Maharaj. Notably, his first piece of art was at the tender age of 12—a sketch of Jesus Christ. Beyond nature, Rumale’s portfolio includes paintings of various deities, religious sites, and temples in Karnataka. Particularly noteworthy is his painting of the Sangameshwara temple in Kudalasangama, distinguished by its spirited use of colors and vibrant energy.
Among his other notable works are paintings of the shrine of Renuka Yellamma, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara, and Shirdi Sai Baba, alongside several depictions of Lord Shiva. In addition to religious sites, Rumale also created evocative portraits, including those of his mentors and Sanjay’s family, imbuing them with his eclectic color palette. Warm tones of rust, ochre, and red in oil paints contrast with the cool hues of blue and green in watercolors, giving the portraits a distinct dimension.
“My father and Rumale met in 1955 and shared a brotherly bond. Our family of four and Rumale lived together in this house,” reminisces Sanjay. The Rumale Art House, established by Rumale himself, displayed his work from 1973 until his passing in 1988. The gallery has been managed by Sanjay since, who has taken efforts to hold retrospectives on Rumale’s work in other cities.
“We have organized exhibitions at the Indian Institute of World Culture in Basavanagudi, the Bangalore International Centre, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai, to name a few. The idea is to spread awareness and give people a chance to view Rumale’s works,” Sanjay states.
The Rumale Art House is located at 674, 45th Cross Rd, 3rd Block, Rajajinagar, and is open from 10:30 am to 5 pm, every day except Tuesday.
