ArtSci Fest in Bengaluru: Mall turns venue for unique art installations, artists

Bengaluru: Art melded with science at the ArtSci Fest, being held at Phoenix MarketCity in Bengaluru . The fest that celebrates art, science and contemporary culture was inaugurated by Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday. 

An art gallery inside the mall displays a collection of paintings and art installations that include the modernist paintings of Padma Vibhushan awardee K.G. Subramanyan, clay sculptures of Shafeeque Punatihl, minimalist paintings of master water colorist Spoorthy Murali among others. The exhibit also features 'Engineering Art' of Ramji, who uses his engineering skills to create scale models of anything under the sun. 

"It is a great platform to bring out the talented and intriguing works of artists in front of the public," said Shafeeque. Shilpi, who creates ceramic art, said that the fest will expand the spectrum of audience, increases the involvement of the public and makes people aware of various art forms.

The fest, which will go on till March 5, will also have technical workshops from acclaimed scientists and experts in the field. As you enter the mall, a big installation created in a month's time completely out of industrial waste catches your attention. Making your way through the shopping complex, over 200 artworks and 15 installations will redefine your experience.

"Art installations here have a message and used some specific technique. An art installation can be anything, it can be done with a thread, waste paper, colours or anything that portrays your idea without any fixed parameters," said Spoorthy, who quit her IT job to be a full-time artist.

Mr Gajendra Singh Rathore, Centre Director-Phoenix Marketcity, said, "We have so many great artists and scientists from our country making us proud on a global stage and this festival is a tribute to all their contributions."