A panorama of artistic expression unfolds at VR Bengaluru, where nearly every corner brims with imaginative works. The grand atrium is enlivened by installations that dance above heads while the walls become a canvas for creative endeavors. This transformative scene heralds the return of the esteemed Whitefield Art Collective for its seventh edition.
Initiated by the Yuj Arts Foundation, a dedicated nonprofit organization, the Whitefield Art Collective is a branch of the broader Public Arts Festivals which commenced over a decade ago. Curator Sumi Gupta, the visionary behind the Public Arts Festivals, champions a primary focus on showcasing the lifework of students and burgeoning artists. Since its inception in 2013, the festivals have enjoyed collaboration with Virtuous Retail South Asia, resulting in 22 art extravaganzas spanning the Indian subcontinent, including Surat’s Dumas Art Project, Punjab Art Initiative, Chennai’s Madras Art Guild, and Nagpur Kala Sangh, to name a few.
During a recent gathering featuring curator Sumi Gupta and famed flautist Praveen Godkhindi, the theme for this year’s festival – Transcending Boundaries – is introduced.
“We partner with educational institutions because we believe that students require a platform to present their work, and they often encounter barriers when attempting to connect with galleries or more exclusive art festivals,” explains Sumi.
This year, the festival sees participation from institutions such as Chitrakala Parishad, The Bangalore Institute of Design, and Bangalore University. Transcending Boundaries invites students and artists to create thematically engaging installations and artworks that evoke conversation and address pertinent issues. Sumi finds this year’s theme particularly fitting, reflective of the interconnectedness that shapes our contemporary existence.
The collective’s reach is vast, with over a hundred artworks on display alongside an array of workshops, informative sessions, and stalls throughout the venue. The organizational endeavor of each festival spans at least six months, aiming to present art in its myriad forms.
“Over time, we’ve added dimension to the festival with elements of classical dance, music, cinema, and photography. We look forward to introducing theater and folk art next year,” Sumi anticipates.
The current edition also features retrospectives on accomplished artists such as Achuthan Kadallur, P Gopinath, and Yusuf Arakkal, enriching attendees with a deeper understanding of artistic evolution. Partnering with PVR, the festival screened select art-themed films, complemented by a unique workshop on the art of coffee brewing. Additionally, a month-long artisanal bazaar showcases embroidery, pottery, ceramic works, and more—culminating in a dedicated young artist program. The diversity of guests, from families to corporate professionals, ensures the event offers a little something for all.
“Every artist, be it a photographer, sculptor, or painter, benefits immensely from public display. The interaction and response from the audience can be profoundly validating, especially for a student artist witnessing the public engagement with their work,” she notes.
A novel mentorship program has been introduced by the Whitefield Art Collective, aiming to foster the personal development of student artists. The panel includes prominent figures such as Bose Krishnamachari, the president of Kochi Biennale Foundation; Jaya Asokan, director of India Art Fair; acclaimed photographer Amit Pasricha; and British mixed media artist Piers Bourke.
The festival passionately advocates for the use of natural, sustainable, and renewable materials in artistic creations. Those seeking an immersion in art, beauty, and creativity are warmly welcome to delve into the offerings of the Whitefield Art Collective.
Celebrations continue at the Whitefield Art Collective until May 5, 2024, hosted within the captivating VR Bengaluru. Admission is complimentary. To stay informed on upcoming sessions and workshops, engage with the festival through their Instagram handle at whitefieldartcollective.
