Amidst the glittering accents of fashion and lifestyle brands and an eclectic Farmer’s Market at Chivas Glassware presents The India Story — A Neotia Arts Trust Initiative, in association with t2, art stood out and elevated the entire spirit of the three-day fiesta that created a buzz at Swabhumi from January 12 to 14. Artists from Bengal as well as different corners of India including alumni of Indian Institute of Crafts and Design lured city art connoisseurs to pause and reflect before soaking in the other attractions at the venue. Highlights!
Smarak Roy’s graffiti art evolved as the festival progressed. The live painting by the alumni of Kala Bhavan who specialises in murals and sculptures and whose art was part of the G-20 Summit, worked on the theme of India Central. The riot of colours on the 10 canvases of 40x6 feet dimension, was a fun medley of different cultural aspects of India. “Live paintings are exciting and this turned out to be so much fun. India Central is a fusion and while in one frame you see a puppeteer from Rajasthan and a patachitra artist, in another frame could find fish sellers wearing googles and clicking selfies,” said Roy.
Mrinal Kanti Dhali’s Odd-Toed made visitors marvel at its unique design and imposing figure. A cross between a horse and a rhinoceros, the large sculptures, unpainted and without any pop of colour, stood on the ground and represented stability.
Varda Singhania Kumar’s Magical 100 Years of Disney welcomed all at the entrance of Farmer’s Market. The 24.5 x11.5-inch structure of the Royal Bengal Tiger with a colourful body replete with motifs of sun, flowers and hot-air balloons showcased the alumni of The University of the Arts London’s imagination.
The alumni of the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur showcased art-inspired products that adorned a retail shelf. Surabhi Sahgal, a coppersmith, creates spectacular pieces of jewellery for her brand Figmenterie. Her enchanting Glade neckpiece stood out among the many trinkets that she produces, combining the science of chemistry and the aesthetics of art.
Giving a contemporary touch to the traditional art of embroidery, Bespoke by Saurabh showed jewellery, frames and wall art.