In keeping with the current buzz about the environment and the responsible use of resources, the Madras Art Guild (MAG) has chosen ‘Sustainability’ as the theme of the second edition of its art festival in the city which is the brainchild of Kapila Sengupta, once a popular Chennai personality who now works as a top executive at a popular mall in Bengaluru
MAG is an initiative that aims to bring the local community together through art. “Art connects people. MAG is a public art festival that concentrates on doing that. We are putting up a wholesome show for the public”, explains Sumi Gupta, curator of the programme, adding, “Chennai is a city which has always appreciated art and artists.”
Speaking of this art initiative, gourmand and professional lifestyle coach Rachna Kumar, says, “Chennai’s very fabric is built on art, culture and the rich tapestry of cultural ethos that make this city come alive. Such initiatives help us build a stronger bond with the national art community and also collect art that is an investment.”
“We are concentrating on promoting the theme, sustainability, and educating the public on how to cut down waste, reuse and recycle products. It is a very important, long-standing yet current issue in the world”, she says.
There is a mix of art forms on display at the show - photographs, installations and art bazaar, to name a few. “Art is not restricted to anything in particular. Art is inclusive. We have experiences like dessert bazaar, screening of art films, a children’s art competition and art bazaar lined up,” Sumi adds.
MAG has collaborated with various renowned institutions and art platforms in and around Chennai, like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation, Cholamandal Artists’ Village, Government College of Fine Arts (Kumbakonam), Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai (Alumni), International Foundation of the Arts and Gallery Veda, to organize the show.
The art movement has percolated down to the student community too with many leading colleges engaging their students in artistic endeavours for social causes too. Many of the city colleges have used as a campaign mechanism and done brilliantly well in championing causes.
Alongside students of various art institutions, senior artists like Benitha Perciyal, Seema Kohli, Parvathi Nayar, Michael Wegener, Yuvan Bothysathuvar and Vijay Pichumani will be displaying their works.
Elaborating, Sumi says “We provide young art students a platform to display their work along with established and senior artists. Not all students are able to display their art works at galleries. Here, they get a huge range of audience, which they might not getat an art gallery. Such exposure is possible here since it is an inclusive show and for the community.”
The month-long festival was inaugurated on January 24 by Mrs. Karin Stoll, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai. At the launch, a car was unveiled that was painted by Gita Hudson, renowned artist and documentary filmmaker.
