Kuppanna Kandgal is an 80-year-old, self-taught contemporary Indian visual artist and writer based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Over a career spanning several decades, Kandgal has presented his work through numerous solo and group exhibitions across major cultural hubs in India. His notable solo shows include Form in search of space at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru (2025), Mystic Visions at Prasad Art Gallery in Mangalore (2017), Tranquility at Premier Vinnyasa Gallery in Chennai (2015), Whisper of the Palette (2014) and Antharnada (2009) at Chitrakala Parishath, as well as a solo presentation supported by the Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy in Bellary (2009).

 

Kandgal’s participation in major group exhibitions includes recurring features at prominent institutions such as Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Venkatappa Art Gallery, and the Art for Concern annual shows at The Taj West End in Bengaluru. Nationally, his work has been displayed at venues including Jehangir Art Gallery, the World Trade Centre, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai; Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery, AIFACS, and Rashtriya Kala Mela in New Delhi; Chitramayee State Art Gallery in Hyderabad; as well as regional shows in Jaipur, Nagpur, and Kolkata.

 

In addition to exhibitions, Kandgal has actively participated in state and national art camps, including the AIFACS camp in New Delhi (1999), the Directorate of Archaeological Museums camp at Srirangapatna, the Shravana Chitrakala Shibhira at Melkote (2016), and the Nudisiri Artist Camp in Moodabidri. His artistic accomplishments have been recognized with awards and honors from the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) in Nagpur, Gulbarga University, and the Chitramayee State Art Gallery All India Painting Competition in Hyderabad. Beyond his studio practice, Kandgal contributes to art literature and criticism, having authored a monograph on artist J.S. Khanderao published by the Karnataka Lalit Kala Academy, along with numerous articles on contemporary art published in major Karnataka newspapers.

 

He lives and works in Bengaluru