By: Kaumudi Gurjar
Workshop by Khoj Intl has most artists excited, though there are a few who question whether it is intrinsic to the creative process
Having nurtured and shared ideas on art and inspiration in most metros, Khoj International Artists' Association is now turning its attention to smaller cities. The association is organising a two-week residential workshop in Pune to be attended by 20 artists, including six from the city. Artists from countries as diverse as France, Poland, Taiwan, Haiti and Uganda will reside in Pune and create experimental site-specific art along with 10 Indian artists, from February 15 to March 2 at the TIFA Working Studios, at Sadhu Vaswani Chowk.
Many local artists feel Pune could do with more exposure and interaction to enhance its art scene, which is still in a somewhat nascent stage."Pune is known for music and theatre, but there is a slight blind spot for visual art and public interaction around it. If such an initiative sets the ball rolling, we should welcome it," remarked sculptor and artist Abir Patwardhan. Contemporary artist Raju Sutar said, "Khoj actually represents the contemporary trend — such efforts will be a breath of fresh air."
However, renowned painter and artist Ravi Paranjape disagreed wholeheartedly, saying, "Contemporary art does not believe in creating change and giving back to society — but in pure expression. This new form is dangerous and may pose problems to art."But it's tough to dampen the enthusiasm most artists feel for Khoj."Pune is a city where the storied past meets the vibrant present. Six local artists took the initiative to have a Khoj workshop here," said Rucha Kulkarni, co-coordinator and participating artist.
Pooja Sood of Khoj International agreed, saying, "Good artists are not limited to capital cities. We are organising these residential events in smaller cities because it provides a catalyst for artists from smaller towns to interact with international talent."
The workshop will be at Hotel Wellesley, an art-deco spot on Sadhu Vaswani Road that has been lying unused for over a decade. "The space itself is very raw and inspiring. Hotel Wellesley has been unoccupied for a long time, and it will be nice to work on a blank canvas," said photographer Shraddha Borawake, who spearheaded the movement, The Good Artists of Pune.
French architect Laurent Pinon, who is also part of the workshop, said, " Pune is a subject and the location of the workshop, but everybody will come with a different geographical background. The time is 15 days, but we'll create surrounded by the remains of a thousand-year-old city. I see the workshop as a heterotopia — we'll open a space and time breach during which everybody will explore multiple ways to think, represent and communicate."
