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Journalism of Courage
Suyash Gabriel
Reviving traditional art requires continuous effort and constant attention. The Lalit Kala Akademi seems to have conceptualised a strategy to not only revive, but also modernise a traditional art form from Kerala. In a 10-day workshop called “Past Forward”, at the Regional Centre in Garhi, East of Kailash, that concludes today, contemporary artists use Kalamezhuthu, a ritualistic art form, as a muse in their respective mediums. Traditionally, Kalamezhuthu is done in temples and sacred groves where the representation of deities such as Kali and Lord Ayyappan is made on the floor, followed by various rituals involving dance, theatrics, and music.
Rajan Fulari, a Goa-based graphic artist, and curator of the workshop, says, “My intention was to bring the art out into the contemporary sphere. We had a workshop in December last year where young artists observed the traditional ritual. This workshop allows them to use that experience and do something modern with it.”
Using techniques such as chalking, serigraphy and sculpting, young artists attending the workshop have spun their own wheels with Kalamezhuthu. Sachin Nibalkar from Maharashtra etched “ganjifas” or traditional Indian playing cards which originated in 16th century Persia. “I wanted to create art that people can connect with and not just look at. I am simultaneously reviving the lost art of making ‘ganjifas’,” he said. While Sindhu D, a chalk artist from Kerala has planned a four-panel depiction of a traditional kalam, Purnima Sharma, a visual and graphic artist from Delhi used screen painting or serigraphy using techniques such as stenciling, needle etching and aqua-tinting.
The workshop is on at the Lalit Kala Akademi, East of Kailash till today from 10 am to 7pm. Contact: 26431849
(The reporter is an EXIMS student)
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