One of the most popular events that define the core
character of beautiful city of Mumbai, through its various
hues, The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, is back! I have been able to pay
visit only once so far to this community celebration of arts, culture, crafts
and life in general at one of the most beautiful and historic precincts of
Mumbai, The Kala Ghoda Art District.
Like it happens every year, the art installations have drawn
people and are deeply engaging for the viewers, even for the people who would
not ordinarily cross the threshold of a gallery. A work of art can
have certain influence and yet connect to its viewer regardless of its social, political or cultural conditioning. What ultimately matters is the object of art itself, that is, the physical or intellectual expression of the artist’s vision and intent, and how it relates to the viewer who
engages with it. Remember that quote, “Art is not what you see, but what you
make others see.” ?When a piece of art is
installed in a public place then it has to be interactive as a visual and also
intellectual, wherein the spectator has an opportunity to take away something
every time he/she encounters the piece. Or else, it will be considered as a
just another statue at a cross road!
I find quality of visitors at KGAF an interesting mix
and not necessarily only art loving folks. Albeit, I was shocked to find many
people abusing art installations by climbing/sitting on them or holding some
part of the installations and getting too close for sake of getting a good
shot! When reminded, that they were not supposed to cross the line drawn around
the art installations, many people were found shockingly rude and I was told to
"mind my own business". I cringed to see so many beautiful art
installations broken due to mishandling of visitors.
For art to meet its purpose, it should reach out to
every person on the street and not be restricted to only elites. In India,
unfortunately, we fail to understand that sense of responsibility expected from
viewers to respect art and the artists. Most of the times, in my observation,
people don't even bother to read about the work of art at display to understand
its nuances or interact with the artists present at KGAF. They are more
interested to get that "perfect shot" even if that means shoving and
pushing others! I hope the KGFA organizers take a serious note of this and
address these issues from next year. Art is an important part of our core
identity. It is our moral obligation as viewers to respect our heritage and
culture.
Each year, the KGAF, packs
immensely creative activities for all the age groups; be it music, dance,
visual arts, literature, theatre, food, films, pottery, photography, street
art, heritage walks or a number of workshops on several topics. No
matter how hard one tries, it is difficult to participate in all activities as so
much happens there every single day! This quintessentially Mumbai cultural
event provides space for everybody; the elites, the kitschy, the
eccentrics, the commoners and the unconventional ones...all feel absolutely
welcome and at home here as there is something for everyone and therein lies
its appeal!
I intend to catch a much detailed
glimpse of KGAF in next few days. Do look out for some more photographs and
stories here!
