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Journalism of Courage
From lively fashion stalls to graffiti masterpieces adorning the streets, the last few days have been a whirlwind of creativity in the Hindustan Park area in the heart of south Kolkata, which witnessed a vibrant finale to the @caravan.art.fashion exhibition, a celebration of art, fashion, and the spirit of the city.
Graffiti, once considered a form of rebellious expression, has evolved into a recognised and appreciated art form in many cities around the world. Kolkata too has embraced it as a dynamic form of public art.
A video shared by @ig_calcutta on Instagram provides a captivating glimpse into Kolkata’s thriving graffiti scene, capturing the essence of an art fest that celebrates creativity. One of the highlights showcased in the video is the longest graffiti street in Kolkata, adorned with colours and patterns by talented individuals.
The video has garnered millions of likes, emphasising the widespread appreciation for the city’s graffiti culture.
Instagram was flooded with comments that admired the initiative. “Now that’s my city, forever vibrant & vibing,” said an enthusiastic user, while another expressed their awe at the opening shot, saying, “the eye opening in the beginning!”
Users also alluded to Bengalis’ love for art with comments like, “Ahhhhhh!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️The Culture’s Growing!!!!! Love It!!!!!”Forever art loving bongs, the art just got updated now.”
At the forefront of this creative movement is Art Rickshaw, a unique art school cum gallery founded by Shailaja Rungta and her daughter Devanshi Rungta in February 2016. Their mission: to provide an inclusive and non-discriminatory space for the city’s artists, making art both affordable and accessible. Since its inception, Art Rickshaw has been pioneering novel initiatives that resonate with the artistic pulse of Kolkata.
In 2018, Devanshi orchestrated the Unicorn Street Arts Festival, a groundbreaking concept, in Hindustan Park. The festival was a kaleidoscope of unique art installations, live performances, and stalls offering irresistible merchandise and delectable food. Vibrant and energetic, it showcased the works of 40 participating artists and drew over 10,000 enthusiastic attendees.
Fast forward to January 7 this year and the streets of Hindustan Park came alive once again with the Street Art Festival of Kolkata. This dynamic event seamlessly blended painting, music, art workshops, delicious food, and a myriad of live activities, featuring young artists.
The festival, set against the backdrop of Marbella’s café, is a testament to the city’s commitment to bringing art to public spaces. Community buildings, boundary walls, and main streets became the canvas for various artists here, turning the city into a living, breathing art gallery.
