The name Kalaachakra couldn’t have been more apt. The newest space that has opened its door for cultural activities is the handy work of potter and ceramic artist Akila Chungi. Opened to public on April 4, the space includes her studio that gives visitors an insight into the work that happens over the potter’s wheel and its transformation at the kiln. Besides, there’s an amphitheatre to stage plays, music sessions and conduct workshops.
“I wanted a space that encourages people to question about arts, crafts, anything. For a brief period, when I was teaching pottery to school children, I discovered how much they seek and learn. Children are uninhibited unlike us, adults. I’d like this space to thrive as a cultural centre that encourages questioning,” she says.
Akila worked with an architect firm for more than a year and then dabbled with interior designing before realising she wasn’t cut out for it. She spent two years in Pondicherry and discovered the many opportunities at Auroville, particularly organic farming and pottery. “I liked walking into wilderness and learning farming. At the same time, I also applied for a pottery course and got a call from Ray Meeker of Golden Bridge Pottery,” she says.
Akila is identified more as a potter than an architect today and confesses she is still exploring the many possibilities of ceramic art. At Kalaachakra, her studio will include a gas kiln, since a wood fire kiln is not permitted within city limits. “I am yet to try different glazes, which will happen once my studio is fully functional,” she says.
She makes functional pottery that includes mugs, tumblers, bowls and doorknobs and explores ceramics as an art form.
A cultural centre was in her scheme of things a few years down the line but she got lucky when she and her husband Srinadh Vennam stumbled upon this space, when they were looking to shift their office and residence. There was nothing to stop her from going ahead with her dream project.
A few workshops and events are lined up all this month. Kalaachakra will host a kitchen garden workshop this Saturday and next weekend, a percussion workshop. “We plan to have music classes, documentary screenings, talks and theatre productions,” she says.
Kalaachakra is on road no.10, Jubilee Hills, lane behind VAC’s. Email: kalaachakra@gmail.com
