Taking Art To The People

You’ll have seen Kanika Bawa’s installations dotting Mumbai – the 12-foot-tall yoga man pull a Surya Namaskar outside Eros theatre during the recent Make in India campaign, while his brothers were spotted along Carter Road, during the Times Celebrate Bandra Festival. She’s also had work displayed at Phoenix Market City, and one of her largest, the 10’6” Kathakali chair, was on display at Kala Ghoda too. Starting this week, four more installations of hers will be lined up at Worli as part of the GoodHomes for Art Festival, for art-loving locals to examine. While three focus on the girl child, with the fourth – an interactive display – will unravel on-site.  

Going Public

Look out for Bawa’s Girl Brigade, rendered in fuchsia pink, her Nestling Indian Doll, and the Lambrinth-Roshni, which depicts the multiple roles a woman plays. Bawa says, “The success of a good installation depends on its ability to convey the story and create curiosity in the audience,” and adds that the GoodHomes for Art Festival “has encouraged the artists’ community immensely this year. The festival has also revolutionized the perception of art. It’s all about taking art to the people and that’s an idea that’s really close to my heart.” Bawa is also excited by the movement of art beyond the walls of art galleries and into private spaces – as the Indian audience evolves, she says, they are making a conscious effort to curate works for their own appreciation.  

Selfie Art

Talking about the importance of bring art to the people, Bawa says that the Indian audience is finally ready to perceive art, giving full credit to the selfie generation that seems to enjoy interactive, cause-supporting works, one picture at a time. It might be arm chair activism, but it’s getting people talking.

GoodHomes is creating a jugalbandhi where art meets a social cause. It’s a powerful medium of communicating with the masses. The art festival has been able to create more art-related dialogues about social concerns. I believe that good art should have a strong connect with the audience such that it exudes positivity - it could inspire and spread positivity in today’s hyperactive times.

– Kanika Bawa

 

Design Spaces

For those interested in exploring art in the public domain, Bawa recommends these places, explaining, “All of them are brimming with sculptures and installations. They stir thought, and allow introspection and investigation.” Explore public art in Mumbai at: The World One Tower at Lower Parel – it’s one vibrating, pulsating space with art. Bandra-Kurla Complex – the space is dotted with sculptures. Don’t miss the flying bus in the Maker Maxity Complex Mumbai T2: The airport terminal is India’s largest museum and showcases the work of 1,200 artists. Art festivals: Don’t miss the Kala Ghoda Art Festival, Make in India and Delhi’s art spaces. The GoodHomes for Art Festival is on from October 17 – 19, 2016.

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