In an effort to bring together lesser-known artists from the Madurai region and showcase their talents to the masses, an art show was conducted last week by Kiruku, a design firm at Urbanspice in K.K. Nagar. Displaying nearly 45 works belonging to four artists and a photographer, the four-day show was titled ‘Look For’.
“The aim was to develop a sensibility for art and design among the Madurai public,” says Praveen, founder of Kiruku. “Though the works were also up for sales, we wanted people to primarily look at, observe and appreciate the pieces. I feel somehow the city has lost a social and community sense for art over the past few years.”
Chandan, a city-based artist, says, “If a viewer is able to perceive what an artist wants to convey in his frame, then nothing like it. In Madurai, being an artist has become tough as the understanding and penchant for art has gradually gone down. In a city where there were art movements in the past, there are hardly any avenues to showcase art these days.”
Praveen rues that in cities like Madurai, only paintings are considered art. “Art not only means a picture painted and framed on four sides. Through such art shows we aim to put across the ‘art of doing anything’.” Pointing to a yellow plastic chair that’s been painted on, he says, “That’s called kitsch – a form of art involving scrap and junk also. It doesn’t require skill and finesse but is still an art. There are many who practise kitsch in day-to-day life but without knowing that it is art.” At the same time, he notes that kitsch that is done without proper awareness has the risk of becoming clutter and encouraging a trend of shabbiness, gaudiness and loudness in art. “And that’s what has happened in the case of the art society in Madurai,” he says. “Fake, cheap and loud art has replaced the fine and refined art forms of the olden days. And naturally, sensibilities have gone down.”
Reshma of Urbanspice says, “The people of Madurai are bubbly and open to change. I wanted to give something new during the lull periods that follow festive seasons and opened Urbanspice – a hip and happening spot.” Fascinated by paintings, clothes, jewellery and artefacts, Reshma plans to conduct more such expos, shows and workshops.
The show received nearly 15 walk-in visitors every day, apart from several eager enquiries. Chandan’s two frames named ‘Singapore’ and ‘Green’ were picked up for Rs. 5000 and Rs. 3,500 respectively. “Many visitors were keen on knowing the artist’s thoughts behind the works,” says Praveen. “Awareness and acceptance should seep in. Only then art can be promoted in the society. Seeing a picture and replicating it the exact way is not art. We wanted to showcase natural, original and spontaneous works. So, we chose people who don’t belong to the mainstream. We will be doing more art shows in future.”
