The campus of Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara, is in a festive mood. Their annual show has just begun, and the campus is live with workshops, cultural programmes and an exhibition that displays artworks by students and teachers. “It is the second edition. The first show was in 2016. Thanks to Prof. R. Sivaraj, principal, and Renjith Kumar, coordinator for their effort,” says Shijo Jacob, a teacher.
The festival that started on January 14 offers an interesting art platter for students. “The idea is to encourage the students to engage in different kinds of art practices and give them a platform to showcase their talent. The exhibition happening on the campus features more than 150 works. It is a platform for the students to see and learn from the projects of their peers and teachers,” explains Shijo.
More than that, it is a chance for people outside the campus to know the kind of work students do. “That is one of the benefits of the fest,” says Shijo, while Vishnupriya, a second year painting student, who is also the vice chairperson of the campus, adds, “Students from the first to the last year take part in the exhibition. Since our college is located in a village, where residents don’t bother to know the work we do, it is a golden opportunity for us to tell them about our practices.”
The fest was inaugurated by Bose Krishnamachari, artist and president of the Kochi Muziris Biennale Foundation, on January 11. The function was followed by his session on art. While prominent sculptor V.K. Rajan took classes on stone carving, Hyderabad-based Nevin John talked about designing and branding. Another highlight was the session by wildlife photographer Nisha Purushothaman. “Kathakali workshop was done by Madhu Varanasi. Right now, Murali Cheeroth is taking classes on video-based art performance, a new technique,” says Shijo. “In the evening, there will be a flute concert by Rajeev Pallikkonam. Our student Manikandan, along with his friends, will perform instrumental fusion music on the coming day,” says Shijo.
“It is a venue for us to experiment with mediums that are not there in our syllabus. Also, the workshops have boosted our confidence,” adds Vishnupriya.
The fest concludes on January 24.
