How public art democratises creativity: artist insights from RMZ Ecoworld installations, workshops

This is a business park with a difference: it also hosts an art gallery, an outdoor art walk, and exhibitions on techniques like printmaking.

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 200 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.

In this two-part photo-essay, we showcase some of the outstanding installations at RMZ EcoWorld, Bellandur, Bengaluru (see our earlier article on featured artists such as G. Ravinder Reddy, Subodh Gupta and Dhruva Mistry here). This month, RMZ Foundation also hosted a workshop and exhibition on printmaking.

“Our broad objective is to create and expand international cultural alliances and explore new possibilities where established artists can mentor promising talent and create an enriched community of avid art enthusiasts,” said Anu Menda, Managing Trustee, RMZ Foundation, in a chat with YourStory.

The five-day workshop presented techniques in woodcut, etching and digital prints. Locating art galleries, workshops and outdoor installations in a tech park is an important way to bridge the gap between contemporary art and wider audiences, according to Anu.

“Public art compels attention. Irrespective of our understanding and appreciation of the medium, public art gives us the opportunity to interact intimately with the art pieces. We wish to take art to a broader community and to people who have never experienced art,” she said. Aspiring artists can also draw inspiration from the workshop, interact with the artists, and imbibe the zest to pursue art forms such as printmaking.

The art gallery in RMZ Ecoworld draws over a thousand visitors a week. An earlier collaboration with Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology (titled Srishti Live 2017) drew over 500 students as well. A photography exhibition titled ‘Photo Story’ has been added, adjoining the main gallery. The RMZ Foundation proposes to launch galleries in its Mumbai and Delhi business parks as well, and have an art walk area in five cities featuring over a hundred installations by 2023.

“Art sensitises you. It enables you to dialogue in a form beyond language, even if you are not an expert in art,” says Anu. It is important to democratise access to art appreciation and creation, and promote it in public spaces.

Travel overseas exposes you to how well European countries promote public art, adds Delhi-based artist Kavita Nayar, whose art works range from painting to etching. “Art is an adventure and mystery,” she explains. Art is an emotional journey and an autobiographical record.

“Art is an expression of the self and of society. It is also a form of personal therapy,” said Champa Mohan, a Bengaluru-based woodcut specialist. Success for an artist is multi-level, and comes from finding the balance between personal exploration and market achievement, she explains.

In Part II of this photo essay, we feature more artist insights and career advice. Now what have you done today to inspire yourself with art, and nurture your own artistic expressions?

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