The Power of the Peta / Honour

When a farmer places his turban on the bed, it signifies rest, completion of the day's grueling work, and earned repose. Two objects—the Peta and the Mancha—profoundly symbolize a farming life.

Artists

Umesh Manjannavar (Government College of Fine Arts, Dharwad, Karnataka)

Medium

Acrylic on canvas with gunny bag; Acrylic on canvas

Venue

BMS Warehouse. Opposite Holy Cross Church Mattancherry (Kuriachante Nada)

Timings

10AM to 6PM (Mon to Sunday)

Till March 31st, 2026

About

Umesh Manjannavar resides in Dharwad, Karnataka—a vibrant center for culture, education, and burgeoning industries. Yet despite this dynamism, strong echoes of its agricultural past persist. The stark reality of the farming cycle—the constant battle between labor and profit—remains a defining characteristic of life here.

The Power of the Peta and Honour explore two objects that profoundly symbolize his farming background: the 'Peta' (a traditional headpiece or turban) and the 'Mancha' (a traditional rope bed).

In a powerful everyday gesture, the turban placed on the bed signifies rest. Completion. Earned repose. These simple objects carry the weight of generations.

Kochi Biennale 2025