Category: Arts & Culture

‘Lokame Tharavadu’ a shot in the arm for artists

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 27 April 2021
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Lokame Tharavadu

The show curated by artist and Kochi Biennale Foundation president Bose Krishnamachari features the works of 267 artists…reports Asian Lite News

Lokame Tharavadu’ a contemporary art show currently on at Alappuzha at multiple heritage venues, has come as a shot in the arm for the artistic community, especially with the raging pandemic which left their artistic talent jaded.

The show curated by artist and Kochi Biennale Foundation president Bose Krishnamachari features the works of 267 artists who trace their roots to Kerala and by scale is considered to be the biggest art event to be held in India.

The individual art works number well over 3000, presenting a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and connoisseurs to experience the richness and diversity of the art of contemporary Malayali artists.

With the state going through very difficult times on account of the surging Covid cases, extreme caution is being taken at the event which includes registration at the Covid-19 Jagratha portal of the state government and availing passes only after uploading a RT-PCR negative certificate or Covid-19 vaccination proof.

“‘Lokame Tharavadu’ has a staggering number of highly talented and dedicated artists, some of them with out of the box thinking,” says Radha Gomaty, a participating artist in the show.

Many of these artists, she said, are not on the gallery grid and often miss out on any kind of security or standard of life from their art, and have to keep doing other things to make ends meet.

“To learn that they continue in their dedicated pursuit of art despite these odds is something that is amazing. There might be historical, cultural reasons that contributed to this kind of flourishing number of practitioners,” said Gomaty.

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Also read:Kashmir Fashion Breaks the Jinx

T R Upendranath, another artist, said he was sceptical of the show initially.

“But when I made a visit, my perception changed altogether. The way the works have been displayed and the effort that has gone behind it felt like magic to me. The awareness that so many artists are working in different styles was inspiring and some of the works are enough to invoke a sense of jealousy,” said Upendranath, who is exhibiting a series of drawings in the show.

He feels that anyone from outside the state who visits the show would be stunned by its range and scale.

“I am glad that an attempt has been made to bring as many people as possible under one umbrella. I do hope that this process goes on and helps create a permanent platform that can enable a global appreciation of what Malayali artists have been doing,” said Gomaty and praised the efforts of Bose who has included 56 women artistes.

“I am sure this show will create powerful ripples and set the bar high for the future growth of art in the state. I feel a tinge of sadness that it’s happening when the pandemic situation has again turned worse but the message of the show, The World Is One Family, seems more relevant than ever,” said Manoj Vyloor, a participating artist and principal, Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram.

Also read:Highway robbery triggers political storm in Kerala

Tags ART, KERALA, Lokame Tharavadu

Books Kerala Lite Blogs

Walking every day to deliver books at doorstep

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 26 April 2021
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She keeps a regular register of the books being delivered and manages according to the guidelines of the Library Council of Kerala…reports Asian Lite News

K.P. Radhamani, a 64-year-old woman, works as a librarian at Mothakkara in Kerala’s Wayanad district. What makes her unique is that she walks 4 km every day for home delivery of books.

The “Walking Librarian” as she is fondly called lives in Mothakkara, Vellamunda in Wayanad which is dotted with lush green forests and hilly terrain. She delivers books on fiction, history, politics, travel, movies, in a shopping bag.

She works as the librarian at Prathiba Public Library in Mothakkara which boasts of around 11,000 books but after the flow of people to the library decreased owing to their commitments in farm, domestic work and other livelihoods, Radhamani decided that she would take the books to them.

She keeps a regular register of the books being delivered and manages according to the guidelines of the Library Council of Kerala.

In a shopping bag, the frail woman with the passion to deliver books, carries 25-50 books and gives two books to a family and takes them back after eight days.

The registration fee to join the library is Rs 25 and the monthly fee is Rs 5. Radhamani feels that by delivering books to people with various reading tastes, she herself is getting hooked to these books.

She recalled, “I used to narrate stories to my father when I was a child and used to read anything which I could get my hands on including the paper which was used to cover clothes or provisions and there is no life for me without letters. After getting this job with the library, I became an avid and voracious reader taking books from all sections and increasing my knowledge.”

Wayanad being a backward district with a huge population of tribals, Radhamani has delivered books at the doorsteps of many tribal homes and kindled the passion for reading among their children and women.

She recollected how the tribal children used to call her after finishing reading the books she had delivered within a few days and waited for her next visit.

In the shadow of Covid, the number of books being delivered in a month has come down to around 350 from 500.

She has also doubled up as a tourist guide as several tourists flock to the hilly terrain. For being a guide, she has devoured books related to travel, history and society of Wayanad so that she can properly guide the tourists.

Radhamani, who studied only upto the 10th standard, said that some books suggested by her readers have remained imprinted in her mind for life.

An example is one of the bestsellers in Malayalam literature, “Aadujeevitham” by noted writer Benyamin. As she said, “The character Najeeb in that book will always be inside me and will always give one determination and high spirits as how he scripted his own return from an alien land from a remote desert in Saudi Arabia.”

The books being delivered by Radhamani are of use to several aspirants for civil service examinations. Sajini Damodaran, a housewife in Wayanad who has benefitted from the books being delivered by the “Walking Librarian” said, “I took books which are for competitive examinations and thanks to her, I have written a few public service examinations of the Government of Kerala and am confident of making it.”

The Walking Librarian who started in this profession in 2012 is now earning Rs 3800 a month, which is a paltry sum given the living indices.

She said, “I get Rs 3800 a month now but its not the money but the passion for this job that drives me ahead. It’s a very interesting job and I can see light in the eyes of several women while getting new books from our library.”

Radhamani is now also working with the Green army of the state government, “Haritha Karma Sena” which collects and recycles plastic bottles and lives with her husband Padmanabhan Nambiar and son Rijilesh who is an auto-rickshaw driver. Her daughter is married and living in Tamil Nadu with her two children.

Also Read-Kerala repeats calls for free vaccines

Tags BOOKS, librarian

Arts & Culture Interview Lite Blogs

‘Kathak is like a meditation, a sadhana’

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 25 April 2021
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Sufi is not a practice, it is a thought. To blend with Sufi in one colour without any discrimination is a way to connect with the supreme power above…Rani interacts with Siddhi Jain.

Dance is a passion for many. An astute Kathak danseuse of the Lucknow Gharana, Rani Khanam has dared to differ in her dance practice. Integrating Islamic verses and Sufiana Kalam of mystic Sufi poets in her Kathak practice for over 20 years, she has carved a global niche as a pioneering Muslim Kathak classical dancer. She has also used choreographed productions as a medium to raise awareness on causes like HIV/AIDS, rights of women, including Muslim women, and persons with disabilities.

The founder-director of ‘Aamad Kathak Dance Centre’ in east Delhi, Khanam recently performed on the compositions of Bulleh Shah and Hazrat Amir Khusrau. Excerpts from an interview with her on the sidelines:

How did you take to dancing and Kathak?

I have been dancing since childhood. Everything I have done so far is a contribution to this field. In fact, since a very early age, I have seen and understood things through dance’s perspective. I pursued Kathak as it is one of the classical dances of the North and carried on with it since then. For me, Kathak is like a meditation, a sadhana that is there in my everyday practice.

You are a practicing Sufi, how do you incorporate it into your dance practice? Please also tell us about the historical research undertaken by you on the Islamic influence on Kathak.

Sufi is not a practice, it is a thought. To blend with Sufi in one colour without any discrimination is a way to connect with the supreme power above – the almighty. Sufi has a very simple way, let it be through devotion or Sufi, it’s the same thing. Alongside, I have done the research and been working on Islamic verses, Sufiana kalam of renowned poets for the past more than 20 years. I have performed on it at an international level and collaborated with international artists and Sufi dancers.

You have defied many odds during your dance career…

Every artist, every human has odds in their life and it is very natural. But when you are focused on your goals you don’t realize when you have surpassed those odds. Being a Muslim, I had few obstacles as at those times dancing was not pursued openly. But with conviction, power, and passion I was able to overcome all these and till today I am working in society by maintaining all due respect.

How did you keep refining your practice during 2020’s lockdown? What did it mean to you?

For the past year, due to Covid, life has given us time to think positively. Being an optimistic person, I believe that if things go wrong there must be a good reason behind it. It needs us to improve. This was a refinement period for me. I took classes, participated in virtual programmes with the kids and other artists. I have been a part of various online discussions. So, last year I tried to be as constructive as possible.

You performed Holi Khelungi Keh Ke Bismillah’ by Bulleh Shah at Kathak Kendra. Please tell us about it.

Kathak Kendra’s event ‘Swadheenta Ke Rang, Phalgun Ke Sang’ is a very nice concept where they have invited all the Kathak artists along with artists from other art fields on the occasion of Holi. I performed a few Bandish, one of them was of Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s and is based on Raag Basant Bahar Mishr. The second bandish was by Baba Bulleh Shah’s Holi Khelungi Keh Ke Bismillah’. The way I portrayed was the Almighty is the actual painter who has painted the entire world with the colour of love. He combined all the true colours of love and unity and came with a rainbow. All the colours on the earth like sea, leaves are all given by God. I am glad that people admired my performance during the show.

Also Read-Lobo: Dance nurtures a sense of self

Tags dance, kathak, sufi

Books Lite Blogs

Spend lockdown summer for reading

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 24 April 2021
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Filled with anecdotes and life-changing missives, these stories will remind you that it does not matter the circumstances into which one is born what matters most is having the josh to overcome all odds and chase your dreams…writes Siddhi Jain.

Whether it is a lockdown or vacation, those who love reading don’t want any other entertainment. As the year heralds the season of warmth, one may be tempted to spend sunny afternoons inside, in the company of good storytelling. A list of reads you can curl up with this summer.

‘Happy Moments’ by Meik Wiking

Happy memories do not have to be reserved for big life events. Drawing on global surveys, behavioral science experiments, and data gathered by The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Meik shows how we can turn ordinary experiences into something extraordinary. Whether it’s eating dinner at the table rather than in front of the TV, exploring a new part of your neighborhood, or planning how you’re going to celebrate your small wins, this book will help you find the magic in every day, and create memories you will cherish forever.

‘Marriage in the Time of Corona’ by Arbind Bhatia

The book follows the travails of an affianced couple over a fortnight as they struggle to tie the knot in early 2020 — a watershed time in global history, when the horrific effects of the Coronavirus pandemic are just making their presence felt worldwide, and nations follow one another into lockdown mode, much like dominoes falling in tandem. The groom is a westernized Sikh of Indian descent, who has returned to his birthplace for his nuptials with his Buddhist Thai bride in tow. After two failed previous attempts at getting hitched, this is now their third attempt to wed. However, even this is in jeopardy as the bride’s family is prevented from attending as travel restrictions begin to shut down the world, and other crises create more hurdles in their path. Flashbacks interspersed throughout the book highlight the relationship history of the couple. Events during the chaotic fortnight showcase familial relationships and interactions in the backdrop of inter-religious marriages, and their marked lack of acceptance in India, even in these contemporary times.

‘All You Need is Josh: Inspiring Stories of Courage and Conviction in 21st Century India’ by Supriya Paul

In a world filled with cynicism, few stand tall, carving their own path to success with courage, determination, and grit. All You Need Is Josh brings to you stories of such unique individuals across India e of the aspiring astrophysicist who wanted to walk on the moon; the first person with a disability to top the civil services examinations; the domestic help who is now a published author; the army officer who amputated his own leg; the transgender woman who was expelled from her house; the Dalit child bride who now runs a business worth Rs1,000 crores, and many more. Filled with anecdotes and life-changing missives, these stories will remind you that it does not matter the circumstances into which one is born what matters most is having the josh to overcome all odds and chase your dreams.

‘The Tonic’ by Mayur Sudhakar Sarfare

Set in the year 1992, The Tonic is an emotionally wrenching tale of an unlikely friendship between Masher and Raem, two young outcasts with psychological deficiencies. We see through their eyes what the riots do to them and the people of Bombay, which mysteriously connects decades later to the life of a media tycoon cum atheist, who has genocidal plans for the religious! Mumbai, 2017: Reymerg D’Souza, a media tycoon and powerful militant Atheist, harbors an ominous plan to cleanse the country from religion. Avantika Das, an investigative journalist, partners with a suspended cop to embark on a perilous journey to expose Reymerg’s darker agendas. Back in 1992, two young misfits are drawn together by the ravages of an approaching Hindu-Muslim riot. Masher, a diffident teenager with a speech disorder is forced into participating in an annual elocution contest held in his school. During this period, he befriends Raem, a twenty-one-year-old recluse of foreign descent, who gifts him a packet of mysterious chocolate pills. The pills magically begin to embolden their lives. They begin to win moments and people. A Tonic that turns them from being misfits to Stupefiers.

‘Billions Under Lockdown: The Inside Story of India’s Fight Against Covid-19’ by Abantika Ghosh

When WHO first declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, there was a great deal of apprehension about how India – the country with the highest TB cases and diabetes, inadequate health infrastructure, and a population of 1.3 billion – would fare. Between the Janata Curfew and the first vaccinations, massive machinery has been working as seamlessly as possible to make sure that, despite some missteps and missed infections, India conquers what has been the greatest challenge the world has encountered in decades.

Eudaimonia: Exhibiting the happiness

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 15 April 2021
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Co-organised by the Portuguese Embassy Cultural Centre, the solo show titled ‘Eudaimonia’ exhibits works by the 1971-born Romero who has exhibited across European cities…writes Siddhi Jain.

An online exhibition of paintings in oil by Portuguese artist Ana Romero, titled ‘Eudaimonia’, which is a Greek concept for happiness or blessedness, is on view on the website of India International Centre till April 25.

Co-organised by the Portuguese Embassy Cultural Centre, the solo show titled ‘Eudaimonia’ exhibits works by the 1971-born Romero who has exhibited across European cities.

“Every man has a vocation, an inclination, his demon, his personal genius. Eudaimonia — happiness for the Greeks — or the good performance of their demon, is achieved by doing what they are called or evoked for.

“The liberation of our demons, whatever they may be, results largely from what we are: from the fusion between cinema and life, or from Art and life, from music and literature, and also from the contamination of the very small things that daily they bring us “Eudaimonia” and drive away our demons,” writes Romero.

The artist adds: “This permanent and unattainable construction of our happiness is strongly contributed by artists, consecrated or not, who influence us and keep us devotedly in love with this wonderful ‘thing’ which is the creation of images; in a world saturated with them, the ability that some have to attract us is undoubtedly something of extreme beauty; even when they represent the lack of it.”

Also Read-Artistic Exploration Through Iranian Culture

Tags Ana Romero, ART, HAPPINESS, Portuguese artist

Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Distinctive fusion of contemporary art

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 8 April 2021
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The well-curated Week is also being hailed as a much-needed restart to the city’s physical art engagements….writes Siddhi Jain.

Delhi Contemporary Art Week is more special this year, by which brings seven art galleries under one single roof. Turning the spotlight on Indian contemporary art and artists for a whole week in the national capital, the Delhi Contemporary Art Week (DCAW) will open on April 8 with the participation of seven city-based art galleries.

The participating galleries include Blueprint 12, Exhibit 320, Gallery Espace, Latitude 28, Nature Morte, Shrine Empire and Vadehra Art Gallery. Contending that contemporary art in South Asia is more exciting than it has ever been, the seven galleries have come together in this latest edition to showcase a new wave of artists from India and the subcontinent at Bikaner House.

According to the organisers, the Week was initiated as an attempt to generate discourse that befits the shifting lens of the contemporary. This year DCAW is taking place at Bikaner House to add vigour with its grand colonial era architecture and spacious exhibition spaces. There is also an additional exhibition by Reha Sodhi. The galleries will also host exhibitions at their own spaces creating a citywide fervour around contemporary art.

Notably, among the exhibiting artists is Manjunath Kamath who displays a group of drawings that draw on motifs from Indian, Chinese and Persian cultures. Arun Kumar HG’s artistic engagement with the ecology and the disharmonies created by unbridled consumerism find expression in a large sculpture in reclaimed wood that draws on the ‘samudra manthan’ (churning of ocean) myth from the Puranas. Chitra Ganesh presents three small drawings in her customary visual vocabulary interpolating Hindu and Buddhist iconography, surrealism, and popular visual culture forms such as comics, graffiti and street art, to present a culturally layered, feminist narrative.

There are also works that draw inspiration from the pandemic and recent lockdown. Manisha Gera Baswani’s two pin-drawings enact a personal encounter with pain and disease. Puneet Kaushik’s series of works in black and red titled “Sacred marks of a lockdown” trace the fragile and tenuous negotiations of the self with the new realities of the lockdowned world.

Emerging artist Ishita Chakraborty will present post-card sized works that articulate her feelings of homesickness and spatial alienation, living in cold, sparsely populated Switzerland far away from her home in Bengal, and Purvai Rai will present drawings titled ‘People in Prayer’, whose stark geometry evokes the concept of space ordered by culture and religion.

New works by Thukral and Tagra looks at the idea of ‘escape’ more in the light of cyber realities, as seen through the use of emojis and other familiar symbols of play. Reena Saini Kallat traces the borders between countries that are in conflict over the sharing of their common river waters. By rearranging these lines of separation, she carves a new topography with a flowing river forming the landscape.

A group show ‘Cloud Burst’ features a diverse set of expressions around the general human condition and undertakings, articulated either through more intimate mental and bodily experiences. Titled ‘Bachpan’, Vicky Roy’s collection of candid photographs examines the psychology and principles of childhood games as performed specifically by underprivileged children living in major Indian cities, who have limited access to toys and equipment.

The well-curated Week is also being hailed as a much-needed restart to the city’s physical art engagements.

Exhibit 320’s Director Rasika Kajaria holds that Art truly reveals itself only when we connect with it in person. “It’s important to engage with the art and the artist and to celebrate it as a community.”

Latitude 28’s Founder-Director Bhavna Kakar feels that these times call for a new level of creative and collective thinking and this edition of DCAW, “which despite the times we’re going through, will give art connoisseurs an engaging interactive space to experience the best of contemporary art”.

“As we mark our physical return to cultural institutions, we are enthusiastic about celebrating access and spirit through the ingenuity, diversity and sensitivity of our emerging artists and their excellent art practices,” says Roshini Vadehra, Director, Vadehra Art Gallery.

Catch DCAW from April 8-15, 2021 at Bikaner House, New Delhi. Highlights can also be seen online on Instagram at @delhicontemporaryartweek.

Traditional art forms on exhibition

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 4 April 2021
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Shoba Jolly’s work in documenting the regions where this art form is created is indeed path breaking. The exhibition will also bring forward the Hotel’s glorious history and its contemporary vibe…writes Siddhi Jain.

Celebrating India’s rich art heritage, Gallery Ragini, will showcase ‘Colloquial’ – an exhibition of India’s traditional art forms curated by Nidhi Jain at Ambassador, New Delhi – IHCL Selection’s. Opened on March 21, the exhibition has the story of Ramayana painted onto a mammoth 16-feet scroll as a show highlight.

Translating the epic Ramayana on a 16-feet scroll, this artful rendition by artist A Kumar Jha commences with the birth of Lord Ram and ends at the birth of his sons Love and Kush. The detailed line drawing of this artwork derives from the Mithila style of Madhubani painting. The vivid colours in the painting add a stark contrast to the naturally treated base creating a striking visual impact.

Kumar Jha has been working on the theme of the lost heritage of Ganga. The Madhubani artist translates his grief through his expression in the paintings. He follows the line drawing tradition of Madhubani with the customary zeal.

The exhibition will be on view through April and May at Ambassador at and simultaneously at the online art luxury platform www.artisera.com. The occasion also celebrates the glory of Lutyens’ Delhi, raising a toast to the legacy and heritage of the iconic hotel nestled in Sujan Singh Park.

‘Colloquial’ brings together five traditional art forms – Gond, Pichwai, Kalamkari, Pattachitra and Madhubani – through the works of seven revered artists. Dhavat Singh, the Gond artist, regales us with folk-lore, tribal myths and views on contemporary issues in his narrative. Dhavat belongs to the Jangarh family, a celebrated name in Gond artistry; he takes forward this tradition and makes it more relevant in contemporary times.

K.M. Singh is driven by his love for his hometown, Nathdwara. He endeavors to uphold his family tradition of painting Pichwai’s for the ancient Shreenath Temple. He paints traditional subjects of the region. Anil Khakhoriya practices the traditional method of embroidery on fabric to create an eclectic texture on the Pichwai.

S. Vishwanathan is committed to save the ancient art form of Kalamkari set in the beauteous temple town Srikalahasti. The artist paints with natural dyes on hand spun cotton fabric, a tradition passed on over centuries. Motifs drawn in Kalamkari spans from flowers, peacock, and paisleys to divine characters of Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Prakash Chandra hails from the artist village of Raghurampur in Orissa. His detailed pen work and his beautiful paintings derive from the traditional Rath Yatra at the Jagannath temple. His work also reflects the prevalent contemporary culture around him.

Shoba Jolly’s work in documenting the regions where this art form is created is indeed path breaking. The exhibition will also bring forward the Hotel’s glorious history and its contemporary vibe.

“The show exhibits my bond with my heritage. All these years of working with the traditional art and weaves has enhanced my desire to carry on with my research of this vast world of indigenous art. My heritage is my gravity and inspiration. Each work from the show is a result of direct interaction with the artists’ and the result ever so satisfying. It is also the time that we focus more & more on traditional Indian arts so that its fading glory gets revived,” said Nidhi Jain, Curator and Founder, Gallery Ragini.

Also Read-Contemporary art of transformation

Dambo’s signature troll sculptures

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 4 April 2021
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Each folklore-inspired sculpture is imbued with expression and character and is built entirely from scrap materials like wooden pallets, fallen branches, and twigs sourced from the location of the installation…writes Siddhi Jain.

Every objects become more precious when it is being used or enjoyed by someone. Denmark-based recycle artist Thomas Dambo, in association with a global travelling entertainment and immersive experiences company, will develop a new touring exhibition featuring Dambo’s signature troll sculptures built from reclaimed materials.

The outdoor exhibition by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc will build upon the tales surrounding the more than 75 giant trolls that Dambo has already created, while also telling an original story in and of itself. The experience will fuse fairytales, whimsy, and incredible art installations to inspire visitors to explore the importance of nature, climate change and other complex issues related to our relationship with the planet, nature, and animals.

Dambo is an artist and recycle activist based in Denmark who carries the title of the world’s most prominent “recycle artist”. He is best known for his colossal troll sculptures that range in height from 16 to 50 feet and ‘live’ as semi-permanent installations in parks, greenspaces, industrial parks, and in other site-specific locations around the world.

Each folklore-inspired sculpture is imbued with expression and character and is built entirely from scrap materials like wooden pallets, fallen branches, and twigs sourced from the location of the installation.

Driven by a mission to inspire people to explore our relationship with the planet, many of Dambo’s works have an associated folk tale written by Dambo himself that addresses a complex problem of our world in an approachable, fun way and which ties in with the overarching story of all Dambo’s trolls.

Dambo says: “I’m constantly working with — so to speak — stretching the materials as far as possible, elevating the life and value of recycled materials through art. Doing a travelling exhibition makes so much sense. It is a brilliant way to spread the message about recycling further and to have shorter exhibitions without turning the sculptures into trash again.”

Also Read-Delhi Contemporary Art Week begins in April

Tags ART, RECYCLING

Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Statue of immunity : A cultural addition to Covid fight

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 1 April 2021
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According to the doctor, this monument depicts the strength of the human body, the human resolve against any form of unwanted foreign invasion…writes Siddhi Jain.

People around the world is fighting against Covid 19 in different ways. In a cultural addition to the ongoing fight against Covid-19, noted radiologist and founder of MedscapeIndia, Dr Sunita Dube has announced the creation of ‘the statue of immunity’ and research centre, as a symbol of human resolve against the pandemic.

According to the doctor, this monument depicts the strength of the human body, the human resolve against any form of unwanted foreign invasion, whether it is the perilous virus Covid-19 which shook the entire world, or intangible negative thoughts.

The monument, the brainchild of Dr Dube, aims to become the new symbol of good health, which will inspire humanity to continuously resist the unknown threats and develop inner strength. It depicts the immunity within ourselves that fights and defeats any unwanted ingress in the health system, she said in a statement.

“Being a Covid-19 warrior, I really understand that the wellbeing of human is of grave concern and how we empower people with good health, strong immunity and healthy body and mind. We Indians and the entire world are fighting against Covid-19, and the war is still on but the winners are the ones who have good immunity. Immunity is what keeps us healthy and alive and that’s what this monument will depict. It will be like an epitome of human kind winning over the death and future generations to remember and prepare for any future pandemics.”

“I welcome all national, international, private and public government institutional bodies as well as corporations to come forward and contribute in the construction of this noble monument in India and for the entire world. We are working in five regions including three Indian states, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh along with two international regions, Dubai and Western Europe. Based on the feasibility of things, the availability of land, technical and financial support, we will accordingly select any one location for creating this monument,” she further added.

COVID:19.

‘The Statue of Immunity’ will not only be a stand-alone monument but an entire experience in itself, says MedscapeIndia. It will have pillars of strength around it which will depict various countries standing for the cause of ‘Immunity’, open forum discussion to exchange knowledge on immunity. Future plan includes research centre for immunity and scientists from across the world will be invited to conduct research on building immunity for mankind, minds to matters. It will not only be a hub of information but will be an educational and tourist spot, said the statement.

Also Read-Gender inequalities on art of writing

Tags ART, Covid-19

Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Delhi Contemporary Art Week begins in April

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 31 March 2021
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Organised by seven Delhi-based galleries, DCAW focuses on contemporary art, showcasing a new wave of South Asian artists under one roof…writes Siddhi Jain.

The fifth edition of Delhi Contemporary Art Week (DCAW) will run from April 8-15 in the national capital, and is among the first collective, large scale art venture post-pandemic and a celebration of the spirit of artists and art institutions across South Asia as they overcame the many challenges presented by the global pandemic.

Organised by seven Delhi-based galleries, DCAW focuses on contemporary art, showcasing a new wave of South Asian artists under one roof.

With an innovative approach to programming, spread over an 8-day period, this year’s DCAW will be interspersed with talks, walkthroughs and a range of activities for art collectors and enthusiasts including a musical evening, said the organisers.

This year’s edition of DCAW is at heritage building Bikaner House, and will be spread across the Main Ballroom of Bikaner House as well as the Centre for Contemporary Arts.

In addition to the curated exhibition spaces of each partner gallery, there will be a specially curated exhibition by accomplished young curator Reha Sodhi, in the Main Ballroom’s side wing. As well as the multiple exhibition spaces at Bikaner House, there will be exhibitions at each of the DCAW partner’s individual galleries, creating a citywide fervour around contemporary art, the organisers said.