BIKASH
CHOUDHURY
It is said ‘Odisha is the land of Art & Architecture’
only in speeches. Recently visited an art camp and exhibition at Jayadev Bhawan
organized by ‘Together’ a forum of creative artist and supported by house of TATA;
it was evening time and there were hardly any visitors apart from a few
students of fine art from Bhubaneswar .
Needless to mention there were repertoires of art on display from eminent
artists and from students on various shades and techniques on many facets of
life apart from the main theme-women issues. Such public apathy of art and
artist is unpardonable, largely due to lack of encouragement from the state
govt., few sponsors from local Industrial Houses & Business, little
appreciation for art by rich & famous residents of Bhubaneswar
city & across Odisha and few real connoisseurs of art and craft in
political & bureaucratic leadership. All this have conspired against shaping
a nascent art market in the city and therefore has not rekindled substantive
public interest in art exhibitions which remain poorly attended events. Media
has restricted itself to just reporting of art exhibitions and other related
events; while its mandate were for shaping the public opinion on art and
promote creative artist of the state. During the rules of monarchy the art,
architecture and culture was actively promoted by the then rulers and their
family as often they had deep personal interest on the subject. However, in our
time the Member of Parliament and legislative assembly; who have replaced the
ruling class of our history either ignore or don’t encourage art & artist
due to lack of personal & family interest and moreover, that does not
constitute any potential vote bank to be pursued with cash or kind. How
do we create a vibrant market for contemporary art in the city of Bhubaneswar ?
First of all we need to create awareness among school & college students
for appreciation of art and simultaneously develop a taste for art; which would
later transform into genuine public interest in art & architecture. Art
lovers across the world agree that art has the potential to change the attitude
of mankind, inspire new ideas & ideologies in other creative pursuits and
also drive innovation in science and technology. All developed societies have
espoused the cause of art and artist at all times. Therefore, people in our
city, social groups, business organizations, non-govt. organizations and our
state govt. should pioneer the cause of promotion of art and artist in the city
in the larger interest of socio-economic progress of the state. For a change
individuals and organizations in the city should try to invest a certain
portion of their surplus resources in buying art works every year; that could
encourage artist to travel to the depth of their consciousness and experience
to put art on the canvas to make us and our society much richer. No army has
ever marched on an empty stomach neither any artist could display his
excellence without optimum resources funded by market. And, market is mostly
driven by ‘Glamour Quotient’; it is possible to create an aura
around the Art & Artist taking a cue from IPL
in sports. But, you will need a passionate sponsor and promoter of art like
Lalit Modi in cricket. Our city has plenty numbers of business men turned
politicians, media barons & bureaucrat turned political party boss,
Eduprenures of Global reputation and
mafia turned businessmen with very deep pockets who can have an image makeover
by giving a leg up to the art world of Odisha. Our state Govt. could become
biggest investor of art in the beginning; apart from facilitating to showcase
the very rich Odia School
of art & architecture in mature markets like New York ,
London , Paris
and Dubai . Any takers?
#Flat
No: 105, Kalpatru Nivas Apartment, Swarnapuri Road , Patia, Bhubaneswar-751024 India Mob: 9853426657
E-Mail: streben.marke@gmail.com
Twitter: @ ideasofhope
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