Manipal : University signed a memorandum of understanding with K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation on Tuesday to start a Hebbar Gallery and Art Centre on the university campus to showcase some of the works of the renowned artist.

The public gallery will have about 20-25 paintings from the collection of K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation and the centre will be located at Manipal Center for Philosophy and Humanities here.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, Ramdas M. Pai, Chancellor of Manipal University, said that it was a privilege to host these original paintings on the university campus.

It would provide an unique opportunity for the young and old in the community to be inspired by the works of Hebbar.

“It is very special for Manipal University to be the location of choice for the Hebbar gallery as he was born at Kattingeri near Udupi and studied at Christian High School here. We plan to use the centre to promote art and research in arts,” he said.

H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, said the university was planning to have a cultural centre in due course. “With the K.K. Hebbar Gallery and Art Centre, we have made a start,” he said.

H. Vinod Bhat, Vice-Chancellor said that gallery would be set up in the next month or two. Hebbar Gallery and Art Centre would hold workshops and interactive sessions to bring art and artists on a common platform.

“The cultural centre, which the university eventually plans to establish, will promote music, painting and dance with special emphasis on coastal Karnataka,” he said.

Rajani Prasanna, art historian, Trustee of the Foundation and daughter of Hebbar said that initially about 25 works would displayed at the centre. These would be portraits and include a bronze sculpture of Hebbar. The collection will include line drawings he was famous for.

Other portraits would include people who influenced him and his works like his mother, wife, Shivaram Karanth as well as leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and John F. Kennedy. “We hope the gallery will be of interest to and inspire artists, scholars and students alike,” she said. She made a presentation of some of the works of the celebrated artist.

Rekha Rao, artist, trustee of the foundation and another daughter of Hebbar, said, “My father had a strong influence from his roots in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. He influenced the Indian contemporary art movement. He encouraged several young artists.”