Showing posts with label Art Installations. Show all posts

19 Oct 2021

'Ghan Phut' by Shraddha Rathi at Kalakriti Art Gallery

Nostalgia in Wood

Pieces of ancient carved wood have been transformed into art installations at the solo exhibition ‘Ghan Phut’ by Bangalore based artist Shraddha Rathi. These strike a nostalgic note at Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad. Celebrating revitalization and renewal, the art works are as much symbols and remnants of melancholy and heritage as an ode to the centuries old craft of exquisite wood carving.

Shraddha describes the artworks as ‘the contrasting confluence of modern day concrete blocks and a century old piece of carved wood which reveal the impermanence of life today and the strength of yester times’.

Born in 1974, Rathi studied performing arts and architecture. A practicing artist for more than fifteen years now, her initial paintings drew inspiration from her architecture and classical dance background. From hyperrealistic paintings of exquisite carvings and sculptures of ancient India she gravitated towards abstraction and installation art. She experimented with installations in wood and metal that combined paint and text to create a play with the display space as well. A series of functional wood pieces formed interactive art that could engage the viewer at another level. The gratitude bench with text related to gratitude engraved on it was the highlight of this show held a few years ago.

Recently, when Shraddha came across carved reclaimed wooden pieces that were more than a century old, her formal background in architecture and her desire to draw attention to the magnificence of these pieces, which are often discarded as architectural waste, inspired her to transform them into art installations. She worked with carved pieces that were originally parts of structural elements of havelis and wadas, to uncover and reveal the beauty of each cubic foot of wood.

Through an elaborate process of reclamation and renewal, Shraddha has attempted to locate these visual markers of culture and history in a contemporary context. She feels each piece is unique and has a story to narrate from its rich and eloquent past.

As she says, “Ghan phut celebrates the unusual convergence of the past and the present, through stories that come alive with reconstruction and revitalization.”

The exhibition is online here at Kalakriti Art Gallery

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18 Feb 2020

Art and Sustainability

The month long public art initiative at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield celebrates sustainability with innovative art installations and activities

The ongoing Whitefield art collective WAC2020, now in its 5th edition, was inaugurated on 7th February, at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield, better known as the Black Box. The evening saw the unveiling of the art car, painted by the art collective, Aravani Arts Project, by artist and President, Kochi Biennale Foundation Bose Krishnamachari and festival curator Sumi Gupta.

Art car painted by the art collective, Aravani Arts Project

Since this year’s theme for the festival has been sustainability, the art, and all the activities are built around it. Sumi Gupta explained, “The Whitefield Art Collective since its inception in 2015, is committed towards the environment and sustainable processes. We are also focused on ensuring inclusivity for our events and nurture new talent; we always make sure we support and highlight student artists’ efforts, ensuring we give them credit on display panels positioned next to each artwork."

The inauguration of the festival was followed by a walkthrough of the art around the mall, and a fireside conversation between Bose Krishnamachari and Sumi Gupta, which brought up several relevant and interesting aspects related to public art, the Kochi biennale and the associated challenges. Bose reiterated how important it was to create spaces for conversation around art, and how informal spaces too contribute towards incubation of ideas and innovation. Incidentally, Bose’s solo exhibition The Mirror Sees Best in the Dark is going on in Kolkata till March 10.

Indian Peacock by Nithin Sadhu and Rahul KP

During the art tour one saw, ‘Preserve the Pride’ an installation made of corrugated fibreboard by Bandana Jain, which derives inspiration from the doorway of a Buddhist shrine at Ajanta Cave. It is fashioned out of 10,000 cut-outs of recycled corrugated fibreboard and alludes to the challenges in imagining our countries, cities and landscapes without the familiar remnants of our past. According to the artist, “I don’t want to protect the environment. I want to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protection.”

Humpbacked Mahseer by Nithin Sadhu and Rahul KP

Rahul KP and Nithin Sadhu of the Bangalore Creative Circus have created Namma ‘Tiger of the Cauvery’ out of metal scrap. The Humpback Mahseer often referred to as the “Tiger of the Cauvery river” is on the brink of extinction and the large installation lets you enter through the mouth and know more about the fish’s ecology and habitat through the process. Highlighting the issue of sustainability and the effects of climate change, the artist duo wonder, “does our development plan for the future accommodate such unique and rare species”? This installation has been created with scrap collected from trash collection drives along the Cauvery river and across Bangalore, and the project was commissioned by The Wildlife Association of South India (WASI) to draw attention to its conservation effort.

The Digital Wave By Romicon Revola, AR embedded Digital Print

'The Digital Wave’ by Romi Revola

The augmented reality installation ‘The Digital Wave’ by Romi Revola speaks of the times we live in. Even with technological advancements in the 21st century, women are still fighting for equality at various levels. The digital layer that makes the work of art come alive represents the rising fourth-wave feminism (with the use of internet tools). The art installations and activities have been curated by Artflute.

The inaugural evening also saw a spectacular fashion show by students from JD Institute of Fashion Technology, which showcased ‘Wearable Art’ designed around the theme of sustainability, with garments created out of biopolymers, recycled materials, seeds embedded in the fabric and so on.

Head over to VR Bengaluru, Whitefield and check out the art on display, in addition there are several activities to engage all age groups. The festival continues till March 7th.

Schedule of activities

Re-Imagine Bengaluru: 22nd – 23rd February

UnGallery-Spaces Beyond:22nd February

Art Cinema: 23rd February

Art Bazaar: 29th February to 1st March

Basement Art Project: 1st to 5th March

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7 Feb 2020

Art News: Fifth Annual Whitefield Art Collective 2020

The festival will run from 7th February 2020 to 7th March 2020 at VR Bengaluru, Whitefield Main Road.

This year's theme is Sustainability

Launches today: Whitefield Art Collective (WAC), the award-winning public art initiative, announced the inauguration of its month long fifth edition. WAC2020 will encourage creative explorations around the theme of “sustainability”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the artistic community.

This year, the collaborators include Shristi Institute of Art, Design & Technology, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore Creative Circus, Indian Garbage Collective, The Broke Artist Collective, Aravani Arts Project, and Synaesthesia Collective & Art Flute.

Ajanta Caves: Preserve the Pride by Artist Bandhana Jain

WAC 2020 is supported by YujKutumb, The Yog Foundation. As for previous editions, VR Bengaluru as part of its Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s national and international image, will be the primary venue partner. WAC 2020 is also supported by The Waverly Hotel & Residences, Gravity Events, Burger King and Grover Wines.

Bose Krishnamachari, President, Kochi Biennale Foundation will inaugurate the festival by unveiling the annual VR Art Car, painted this year by the Bengaluru based women and trans-women art collective-Aravani Art Project. The unveiling will be followed by a fireside chat between Bose and WAC Curator Sumi Gupta, at the Living Room of The Waverly. The inaugural event will culminate with “Wearable Art” - a show by JD Institute of Fashion Technology at Skydeck.

Work by Student of JD Institute of Fashion Technology

Speaking on the occasion, Sumi Gupta, Curator of the festival said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic public initiative in its fifth year. This edition of WAC has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists from across Bengaluru, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations & sculptures. Over the next month, WAC 2020 will bring together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons, and the citizens of Bengaluru in a celebration of the city’s art and culture.”

The month thereafter will see the show widen its scope and scale. Lined up are an Art Dessert Festival, Art Cinema Screening, Art Bazaar, a Children’s Art Competition with more than 500 kids from the city’s premier International Schools geared up to participate.

Reincarnation by Artist Sangeeta Abhay

‘Women in Art,’ a panel discussion moderated by Sreemoyee Piu Kundu will take the stage on Day Two of WAC 2020. With panelists Sumi Gupta, Curator; Shonali Bose, Director, Writer, Producer and Seema Kohli - Contemporary Artist; the discussion promises to be engaging. For the record, this will be the first episode of Season 2, part of the ongoing Salon with Shree series held in association with the Whitefield Literary Society to be held on February 8th.

Humpbacked Mahseer by Nithin Sadhu and Rahul KP

WAC 2020 is all about celebrating art. VR Bengaluru will morph into a hub of artistic innovation, blending aesthetics with creativity. WAC 2020 promotes regional art and artists by featuring a unique mix of programming and commissioned works, in partnership with regional institutions; all interwoven within the theme of sustainability.

Schedule of events:

Fine Art I Sculptures I Installations: 7^th February to 7^th March

Salon with Shree- Women in Art:            8^th February

Art Dessert bazaar with LBB: 8^th-9^th February

Children’s Art Competition:    14^th -15^th February

The Art Yard:    14^th -15^th February

Re-Imagine Bengaluru:    22^nd – 23^rd February

UnGallery-Spaces Beyond:    22^nd February

Art Cinema: 23^rd February

Art Bazaar:    29^th February to 1^st March

Basement Art Project:    1^st to 5^th March

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2 Jul 2018

Art in Decor: Art for Open Spaces

Art need not be limited to interiors of homes and can also be displayed in the garden or terrace

When we think of art for our homes, we tend to restrict ourselves to conventional art forms such as paintings for the interiors, and often neglect exterior walls, terraces and other open spaces. Canvas paintings may not be the best choice for areas that are exposed to weather conditions but there are several other options which can be explored for open spaces such as the terrace, garden and large balconies.

These areas are also used for socializing and interacting with guests, especially when the mercury rises and warmer temperatures make the outdoors more attractive and appropriate for entertaining. Instead of bare spaces devoid of art, artefacts or accessories a well decorated area makes it more intimate and pleasant.

Art in Decor: Art for Open Spaces, Art Scene India

From traditional folk and tribal art to contemporary sculptures and installations, there are multiple options which are suitable for open spaces. Over the years, art from recycled material has also grown in popularity as a display piece in the open air.

As these artworks will be exposed to different weather conditions and will have to withstand fluctuating temperatures and rain for a prolonged period, it is important to select them with care.

Sculpting Evolution by Kalyan S Rathore

Selection

When buying or commissioning artworks for open spaces one must consider the medium and the material which is used.
For instance, stone, fiberglass and metals which have been treated are more suitable for the outdoors.
Instead of buying multiple artworks, focus on one or two larger pieces that are likely to create a more striking impact.
It may also be a good idea to opt for customized art as an extension of the existing theme to create a cohesive effect.

Display

In open areas, art can be displayed on the wall, floor or ground and may also be suspended from a beam.
Murals can be painted directly on the walls or three dimensional artworks can be secured onto the wall.
Large sculptures are ideal for open areas and are extremely versatile when it comes to their display.
Installations, particularly multimedia and those involving light, water and sound can be especially stunning for large open spaces and form the perfect backdrop for a dramatic setting.

Open areas in homes are primarily informal spaces which may also be used for socializing and therefore it is essential to infuse a sense of fun and vibrancy through the choice of art. Vivid colours can make the place animated and cheerful. However, in rare instances when a formal décor theme is extended onto the open area, abstract and conceptual artworks are ideal for display.

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16 Jun 2017

Art News: Jaipur Art Summit 2017

5th edition of Jaipur Art Summit (Dec 14-18, 2017) planned on a much larger scale

Rajasthan and specifically Jaipur, which had always been an art, culture and heritage rich city in the world has now steadily and strongly made its presence felt on the world art scenario. Jaipur is creating an international language of art, literature and design and some of the festivals have been really instrumental in giving Jaipur an international and national presence, one of them being the Jaipur Art Summit.

Over the past 4 years, the Jaipur Art Summit has been able to create a premier platform for modern and contemporary art in the state to display the work of masters as well as young and upcoming artists from the globe. The five day long event is a first of its kind in the state.
Its effort is to take the rich legacy of the state in various art forms across many mediums and formats like painting, digital art, art installations, sculptures, interactive art and other contemporary and folk-centric expressions to a wider spectrum of audience.

Art News, 5th edition of Jaipur Art Summit (Dec 14-18, 2017), Art Scene India

It includes an international painting exhibition, national seminars / talks on contemporary and traditional art related subjects by scholars of repute, international art camp, site specific art installations, live art demonstrations of rare art forms, video art screenings and art films apart from performing art forms.

The prime objective of the summit is to bring together artists working in different mediums and genres, cultural art players, art historians, critics, institutions and galleries from the country and the globe to promote art and build an environment for appreciation for arts, exchange of peer learning and knowledge sharing. This will help in bringing together regional, national and international voices alongside a world view, fostering possibilities of partnerships and create newer pathways for art promotion globally.

In this coming 5th edition of Jaipur Art Summit the event is planned on a much larger scale taking into its ambit many more dimensions of not only contemporary art but also tribal and traditional arts internationally, owing to the response in the 2016 edition.

In 2017, the scheduled dates for Jaipur Art Summit are 14-18 December and the Summit would include participation of international/ Indian artists, art colleges, literary figures, architects and interior designers in several distinctive art events like:

International Artists Camp and Artist Interactive Sessions
International Art Exhibition and Galleries Show
Demonstration of Tribal and Traditional Arts
Site Specific Art Installations
Contemporary Art Talk and Discussions
Art Movies and Art Critics Session
Art Performance Shows
Creative Art Workshops
Graffiti and Street Arts
Experimental Photography Shows
Digital and Multimedia Arts
Performing Arts (Folk/ Theatre/ Music/ Dance)

(press release)

4 Dec 2014

Art News: Bhopal - A Silent Picture by Samar Jodha

Samar Jodha’s art installation is a grim reminder of the tragedy that continues to haunt Bhopal to this day.

December 2, 1984 is a date firmly etched in our minds. The Bhopal gas tragedy remains the largest industrial disaster in the world, when 42 tons of the deadly methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide plant poisoning more than half a million people and taking 30,000 lives.

Today, 30 years later the lethal gas continues to maim and kill, even as victims wait endlessly for justice and compensation. With the recent death of Warren M. Anderson, the chief executive officer of the UCC at the time, Bhopal disaster survivors are struggling to find any form of closure to the tragic event.

Art News: Bhopal - A Silent Picture by Samar Jodha, Art Scene India

Samar Jodha’s art installation is a grim reminder of the tragedy and a tribute to the innocent and faceless victims. An activist artist Jodha has been using photography and film for the past 20 years to address issues such as development, human rights and conservation.

"A striking document which will contribute to perpetuate the memory of an apocalyptic event," says Dominique Lapierre, the co-author of It Was Five Past Midnight in Bhopal about Jodha's project. Bhopal - A Silent Picture is a multimedia installation that simulates an environment with sound, light and temperature to recreate the sensory experience of the night of the disaster.

the project creates a simulated environment through sound, light and controlled temperature inside the container that takes the viewer through a proximate experience - See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/bhopal-gas-tragedy-themed-art-installation-in-rome/article1-1292774.aspx#sthash.HlPsFiud.dpuf

The photographs in the multimedia installation have been shot at the Union Carbide plant, which has since been sealed. The leakage from that fateful night continues to poison the soil, air and water of its surrounding areas. 'The images portray an eerie emptiness – comparable to the Nazi gas chambers of Auschwitz. However, unlike Auschwitz, the perpetrators of this crime continue to walk free. The victims – largely poor people, continue to be denied fair compensation, adequate health care or legal redressal. Worse, they are forced behind a veil of indifference and enforced silence. This installation also hints at this state of affairs with a shroud bearing names and file numbers of some of the victims’ that envelops them in anonymity' elaborates Jodha's website.

Jodha began working on the …Silent Picture project in 2004, when a UK-based TV channel asked him to take a few pictures of the site to mark 20 years of the tragedy. After completing his assignment for the channel, he began working independently there and has shown the resultant cargo container interactive art installation in the UK, US and Switzerland since 2009.
Jodha took his exhibit to London during the 2012 Olympics, as a mark of protest against Dow Chemical Company, the parent company of Union Carbide, acting as official partner of the Games.
- See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhopal/bhopal-gas-tragedy-themed-art-installation-in-rome/article1-1292774.aspx#sthash.HlPsFiud.dpuf

Jodha's art installation has traveled to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Over 85,000 people visited this project in Mumbai in a week alone, making it the largest ever-viewed public art project in India.

In association with Amnesty International Italy, Jodha’s installation is on display at the Piazza Della Repubblica in Rome till December 6, 2014.