The 77th edition of Art Park was recently held at the Bangalore International Center, showcasing the vibrant and inclusive world of art. Featuring 25 talented artists from Bengaluru as well as regions like Odisha, Assam, and Rajasthan, the event aimed to bring art closer to the general public by facilitating profound interaction between artists and visitors.
SG Vasudev, the visionary founder of Art Park, elaborated on the motivation behind the platform. “Art Park was conceived because the general public are hesitant to visit art galleries or interact with artists,” Vasudev explained. This initiative is not just an exhibition; it is a movement aimed at demystifying the art world and making it more approachable for everyone.
Bhagya Ajaikumar, President of the Art Park Committee, highlighted the diverse range of artworks on display. “The artwork here ranges from drawing, painting, sculptures, new, innovative art forms, and also live performance art,” Bhagya noted. Unlike previous editions, this iteration did not center around a specific theme. Instead, it served as a space for artists to engage directly with their audience, offering an invaluable peek into the processes behind their creations.
The event saw a unique and democratic approach to art presentation. “We ask the artists to bring smaller-sized works if they can and we also ask them to do four to five drawings at the venue, using materials provided by the organisation, to showcase their interactive skills. These drawings are sold for ₹1000, making it affordable and inclusive for all,” Vasudev added. Further emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the event, he mentioned that there is a membership committee that selects 25 different artists for every edition, ensuring a fresh and dynamic lineup each time.
The significance of Art Park’s inclusive nature was echoed by chief guests at the event. Doordarshan anchor Sandhya S Kumar praised the diversity of artists, stating, “Artforms bring people together and foster unity.” Similarly, former DG and IGP ST Ramesh applauded the concept, saying, “The concept is unique as it brings together artists with different forms of expression to one location.”
Among the featured artists, Kanchan Rathna stood out with her eco-prints, an innovative and sustainable art form primarily using natural elements like leaves, old paper, and recycled plastic.
. Her shift to eco-friendly materials was driven by her concern over chemical pollution from traditional paints. “We are invited for free and we want to popularise art, so it is about the people, and ensuring that art is at the centre,” Kanchan emphasized.
Visual artist Ilm Gian Anjan Kaur Chahal performed the ‘Rings of Raudra,’ based on the Navarasa ‘Raudra’, which signifies anger. Reflecting on her artistic journey, she said, “Art is everywhere and our body is art. This led me to question why we cannot use our body as a medium to showcase art.” Another compelling performance was by Smitha Cariappa, who engaged the audience with her piece titled ‘Perform to Draw.’ According to Smitha, events like these reduce the hesitation and inhibition often felt by art enthusiasts, enabling direct conversation and idea exchange between artists and visitors.
Rajasthani artist Monika Gupta, known for her Pichwai paintings, appreciated the event for fostering artistic camaraderie. “The concept of Art Park allows artists to interact with each other and meet senior and upcoming artists, creating a space where we can exchange ideas. Artists don’t usually get too many opportunities to interact with other artists,” she remarked.
Art Park has evolved significantly since its inception, previously held at the Sculpture Garden on Jayachamaraja Road. “The Art Park has helped a lot of young artists generate an interest amongst the general public,” Vasudev observed, revealing that the initiative has successfully built a large, engaged community over the years. Bhagya reflected on the growth of the event, noting, “Initially, Art Parks were only held in the sculpture garden next to Ravindra Kalakshetra, but now we have expanded, trying to host the event in different parts of Bengaluru.”
The initiative operates on a modest budget, funded by external sponsors, with advertising primarily conducted through Facebook. “Our advertisement and invitations are primarily through Facebook only, and our community spreads the word themselves. This organisation is very community-centric,” Vasudev explained.
For those eager to witness the fusion of creativity and community, more information regarding future editions of Art Park can be found on their Facebook page.
