Not many knew that artist M.F. Hussain had once been to Kozhikode and stayed in a low-profile hotel for a week. When M.T. Vasudevan Nair, the Jnanpith laureate, spoke on how he missed meeting Hussain then, a dozen of India’s doyens in art were earnestly listening.
His interaction with the artists on Tuesday, at the National Artists Camp organised by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi here, was a venue for refreshing memories. Mr. Vasudevan Nair spoke on the deep-rooted links among various kinds of art and how Kozhikode had a history of appreciating any art. “I am happy to be part of any activity associated with art in Kozhikode,” he said.
Senior artist R.B. Bhaskaran did not hide his enthusiasm over coming to Kozhikode after so many years.
He appreciated the openness that the people of the city have developed towards art over the years. “Here I see people clicking photographs with the sculptures on the beach without questioning its meaning. It was not so fifty years ago,” he said.
Artist D.L.N. Reddy spoke on his visit to Sargalaya Crafts Village at Iringal and suggested that expert training be provided to the artists there. “The village is very attractive, but the crafts displayed were not up to the mark. These artists need more training,” he said. Artists Achuthan Kudallur, Ajayakumar, Jyothikumar, K. Prabhakaran, Laxma Goud, Rajan M. Krishnan, and Santhosh T.V. took part in the interactive session, besides camp director Francis Kodankandath. A large contingent of local artists and art enthusiasts also attended the session.
Almost all the artists at the camp have completed their works, which are on display at Sea Queen hotel on Beach Road, the camp venue, since Saturday. The camp will conclude on Wednesday.
