Artisans moulded

The historic Pepper House at Fort Kochi is buzzing with activity. Step into cafe/gallery and you’ll find many artists immersed in their work. There is a half-finished sculpture of a soaring eagle and next to it, a young woman sits in the midst of scattered leaves, twigs and branches concentrated on perfecting her creation. Manisha Chandel, creator of the eagle, is one among five young artists who are taking part in the latest ‘Master Practice Studios’ hosted by the Kochi Biennale Foundation. The artists are guided by renowned Indian sculptor Valsan Koorma Kolleri. 

Valsan is tasked with helping these young artists bloom. “What an art student learns in college is like what you learn in your nursery classes. It’s just the base. The practical sessions here are mostly to enhance their ability to think from different perspectives,” he says.

The five students, from different parts of the country, will train under Valsan for a month.  

Art education in the country is usually conventional and mostly renders the students bored. Valsan observes, “To get rid of this monotony, they shift to various mediums and sometimes it helps them develop unique creations of their own,” he says, adding, “In a way, it also becomes Atma Vidya (knowledge of the soul) as it is self-learned and self-earned.” 

But the artist’s expression takes precedence over the medium, he feels. “The expression is of primary significance. Every artist will have his/her own style and medium. While some may choose metal or wood, others may use clay or cloth. Ultimately, it’s the output that matters.” 

After all, unique creations are important in developing an artist’s confidence.

The artists, who are attending the sessions, feel this programme has given them fresh perspectives. 

Manisha, who goes to the nearby beach every morning to collect the leaves for her tree-trunk eagle, says the experience has been eye-opening. 

“Earlier, I used to create many things without even realising their significance. But under his tutelage, I have a better understanding of my own works,” says the Ghaziabad-based artist. It is under Valsan’s guidance that she decided to use natural material to create her piece. 

Madhab Das, a young artist who has passed out of Delhi School of Art, is comfortable with iron. But as it takes a long time to collect iron here, he has stepped out of his comfort zone by deciding to use clay and wood. “It’s a different experience,” says Madhab, who is thankful to Kochi Biennale Foundation for organising this initiative. 

Shan K.R., a fine arts student from Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan, West Bengal, who also specialises in metal and fibre mediums, has switched to wood for this workshop. “It has not hampered me in any way; besides, I had guidance from Valsan sir,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Yadhu Krishnan, an MFA student from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, has learnt how to convey what he wants to say through any medium, all thanks to this programme. 

Previous versions of the Master Practice Studios have been led by masters such as Jyothi Basu, K. Raghunathan and P.K. Sadanandan. The next session will be led by renowned artist and graphic designer Orijit Sen.