Art by Kalpana Arya at IAF Bengaluru 2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Bigger and better than ever, this week the city will host the fourth edition of the India Art Festival, with around 30 galleries showcasing the works of over 350 artists from across the country.
Rajendra Patil, Founder-Director, IAF, says the upcoming India Art Festival (IAF) is the 30th edition of the event in India since its inception 15 years ago.
While people expect a fixed format in the event, the IAF Creative Excellence Awards is seeing a re-introduction this year. “These awards were given regularly since 2011, with a short gap just before and during the pandemic years. We are reviving it with the Bengaluru edition,” says Rajendra, who, from this year, will be a recipient of the award.
“The two artistes will now receive ₹50,000 each along with a memento and certificate. This is to encourage mid-career and emerging young artists to come to the show. IAF is not just an exhibition, but a symbol of encouragement for the art world.
According to Rajendra, last year several artists in New Delhi had suggested that a curated show of established artists in every city should also be part of IAF. “The logic was that by a certain age senior artists would be reluctant to sit in a stall for long periods of time, but with a dedicated space, visitors could still enjoy their work. So in this edition, the work of 30 master artists will be showcased in a section titled Shaping Horizons: Iconic Innovators of Karnataka,” he says.
Art by Boopathy Thangavelu at IAF Bengaluru 2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Curated by KS Appajaiah, Shaping Horizons will include works by C Chandrasekhar, JS Khanderao, Hemvati Umamaheshwar, MS Murthy, VG Andani, Sudha Manohar and others. “These artists have shaped the art landscape of the state and the section comprises three generations of artists – those in their 60s, 70s and 80s. This is a unique aspect of this year’s IAF,” says Rajendra.
Apart from a wide range of paintings, sculptures and installations, this edition of IAF will also feature musical performances and a film screening. “Visual art is a difficult medium to understand and when combined with popular media like music it creates a different experience for the audience. There will be live instrumental music at the venue as well as an artist creating a piece of art. The film being screened traces the evolution of Indian art – starting with the Bhimbetka cave paintings before moving on to the creative expressions of the Golden Age of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Maurya Empire and the Gupta period. It is a beautiful piece of cinematic exploration.
Admission to IAF is free for Arts students on presentation of valid ID card.
India Art Festival is at King’s Court, Palace Ground, Gate No. 5 from 19-22 December. The festival schedule and day pass for ₹299, season pass for ₹499 are available at BookMyShow and the venue.
Art by Firoz Khan at IAF Bengaluru 2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
published – December 20, 2024 09:05 PM IST