Art through Cart

An artist collective plays an important role in enhancing the creative talents of its members through meaningful interactions, thus making contributions to art and society as a whole. Museums and exhibition spaces are more likely to show artists with an international profile, and there are few ways to gain greater exposure than by joining an artist collective. Whether artists are creating collaborative installations or engaging in performances, an artist collective functions as a platform for all of its members.

The Centre for Contemporary Art (CART), an organisation based in Kochi, works with this philosophy and has been supportive of its members. The centre is a collective of creative persons in Kochi. It includes writers, filmmakers, theatre personalities, artists, actors, musicians, sculptors etc. It is envisaged as a space for open talks, performances, discussions, rehearsals and screenings. Any creative person is welcomed here to showcase his or her artistic talents to a larger audience.

“Over the past two years, we have conducted various cultural activities that include World Theatre Day celebrations, book releases, film screenings, theatre and musical performances, discussion on books, acting and art workshops, children’s theatre camps, felicitation of literary award winners and more,” says playwright and director Joy P.P., who is one of the founder members of the collective.

For other artists, working together can be a wonderful experience that helps in their professional development. Their meetings and creative collaborations inspire them in many ways. “Here, at the facility, we offer a space for all artists, regardless of their specific interests. And they can share their ideas. This is simply a courtyard of a rented home where the artists can sit and talk,” adds Joy. 

CART has made headlines with their inspiring and experimental projects, especially plays. Immini Ballya Onnu, a play written and directed by notable theatre personality Unni Poonithura, who is also a founder member of the group, was their first major theatre production. It was well received by theatre lovers across Kerala. But their biggest and most famous work came in the form of a play titled Ali Beyond the Ring, an ambitious theatrical production woven around the life of the boxing legend Muhammed Ali, exploring the social fissures that formed the champion’s life story.

Apart from short plays and one-man shows, their next major production is on the way. The centre is designed to facilitate a state-of-the-art video library, which is a rarity in our state. It lets the visitors watch any video content of their choice. Chaplin, the latest work from the team, is doing the rounds and has drawn hundreds of audience. Chaplin was the first play ever in Kerala to use the technique of theatre atmos.

CART hopes to work well in the future and bring together all the artists under a big umbrella and help diverse groups share common experiences, listen to new perspectives and understand each other better.