For the arts to be promoted, easy accessibility and a viable platform to showcase one’s works are important. Two enterprising individuals with a passion for photography and the arts have addressed these aspects and even more by establishing a unique art space. Dilip Param’s and Perumal Venkatesan’s recently-established space Thalam, has opened the doors of opportunity and creativity for artists from different fields. This beautifully-designed space in Domlur is accessible as well.
“Most art galleries are located in the central business area of the city. But art is for everybody and we want to reach out to art enthusiasts as well as provide a space for both upcoming and veteran artists,” says Perumal, fondly known as PeeVee.
Considering Thalam was established fairly recently, in February 2013, it has not only received an overwhelming response but has raised the bar for exhibitions, events and workshops held in the city. Each activity held in Thalam is unique. Their first exhibition was a handmade prints exhibition Gum Bichromate, held in association with Goa-CAP. Among the other exhibitions and workshops held at Thalam are Vimal Chandran’s stunning art work, an exhibition of art prints organised by PixMyWall, a Bangalore weekend of photobooks, a group exhibition of well-known photographers called Life In 5 Frames, a workshop on pinhole cameras, a workshop for photojournalists in association with Korkai… and more.
In addition there was a workshop with Marc Prust on the art of photography marketing, the Bangalore Storytelling Network Meetup, a screening of Bangalore Lake Diaries, a film made by seven photographers, including Perumal.
Dilip recalls one of their memorable events so far: “We were a part of the startup festival. Start-up Crawl was held at Thalam, where we spoke about the sustainability of art start-ups to a gathering of more than 200 people. It was a great experience.”
Dilip and Perumal inform that Thalam was earlier a godown. Once it got vacant, Dilip came up with the ingenious plan of converting it into an art space. “This place needed a positive vibe. We decided to create a space with which people could easily bond. There have been people who once they became familiar with the place, make it a point to visit it often,” says Dilip.
Perumal and Dilip take me on a tour around Thalam. “Get Thalamed!” says the duo in unison. True to their word, one does get ‘thalamed’. The second floor is a sprawling space, where one can amble through and view the art work at leisure.
There is tranquillity to the place as it is located in a quiet corner of the locality. In keeping with one of Thalam’s principles of nature playing an important role in inspiring art, the third floor overlooks a vast expanse of greenery. “Thalam provides an exhibition, studio and training space, among other services,” Dilip says as we chat over special tea exclusive to Thalam.
The duo ensures that there is always an exhibition at Thalam so that people who would like to a tour of the place will always see paintings gracing the walls of Thalam.
The duo is passionate about what they do and have made a mark in their respective fields. “I am a graduate in chemical engineering and have done a MBA. I have been with the advertising industry for eight years,” says Perumal.
Perumal has an inborn talent for photography. He is, in fact, a self-taught photographer. “I was inspired by Sharad Haksar, from Chennai, a senior photographer. I believe advertising and photography always go hand in hand. I moved to Bangalore in 2005. I find the city photographer friendly.”
Perumal has not only had exhibitions of his work displayed across the country. He has also been a co-curator of exhibitions and photography workshops in Bangalore.
Dilip is an entrepreneur who has a passion for music and photography. “I did my masters in sound and acoustic engineering in Canada. I have learned Carnatic music.”
Dilip recalls his childhood when he used to enthusiastically photograph family events. “My father encouraged my interest in photography.” Dilip went onto learn photography from Konica Institute under Ponnuswamy.
Thalam has planned yet another interesting workshop this weekend. A workshop on the art of photogenic drawing, in association with Goa-CAP, will be held this weekend. Thalam is located at Level 2 and 3, 80, Krishna Reddy Colony, Domlur, Bangalore – 71.
For details call 9945243130 and 9945516333 or visit www.thalam.in
