A helping hand to artists

Monsoon Art Fest, an exhibition featuring paintings and sculptures of 84 artists, is drawing hundreds to Kottayam Public Library Art Gallery. An initiative of Kottayam Art Foundation, Monsoon Art Fest has works by Bose Krishnamachary, Bhagyanathan, Bindi Rajagopal, Upendran and many more.

Artist T.R. Udayakumar, secretary of Kottayam Art Foundation, says the main aim of the fest, the third edition of which is going on, is to bring the public closer to art. Udayakumar, whose work is also part of the exhibits, says Kottayam, even though known as the City of Letters, had never been a hub for contemporary artists and sculptors. But for the past couple of years, the city has been hosting a number of exhibitions and holds prestigious events like the Monsoon Art Fest, thanks to the Kottayam Art Foundation. “The very idea of the Kottayam Art Foundation is to bring together artists in the district and have yearly events like this, where we would offer a space and exposure to artists to showcase their works along with those of masters. With that, the public will also have an opportunity to get to know the art and the artists. Since the first edition, we have been getting a lot of positive feedback and public participation is really great. This year is no different.”

Talking about the works featured in the exhibition, Udayakumar says there are no particular themes and it includes paintings, installations and sculptures.  He specifies that the fest is only three years old and they should have, under the guidance of the Kottayam Art Foundation, started it earlier. “Art organisations and art fests are essential, especially when you’re looking for a fast track to build your art career. Organisations that offer their members exhibition opportunities and networking are priceless as it is difficult for most artists to receive gallery representation. Whatever your style, medium or career level, there are art organisations to fit your needs. It also celebrates local performing arts, artists, and the wealth of knowledge they have to offer to individuals and the community at large. In future editions, we are planning to raise funds from the sales so that we can use that for the aid of young artists for their studies.”
The Monsoon Art Fest will conclude on October 8.