Celebrating art in all its forms

Though art forms each hold their own intrinsic beauty, art curator and graphic designer Karthikeyan Ramachandran feels that bringing them together can result in magic. It is with this in mind that he is organising the second instalment of Appa Art Fest, an annual event that celebrates art, from March 9 to 13 in Kamshet near Mumbai. The festival is also a way for the young organiser to celebrate the memory of his father K.N. Ramachandran, who was renowned for his realistic artworks that usually depicted people.

“My father and I have collaborated a few times on different installations, He was one of my biggest supporters and really understood my art, despite the fact that it is so different from his,” reminisces Karthikeyan. The artist adds that it was with his father that he had first discussed the idea of an artiste’s meet. “We casually spoke about how great it would be to bring artistes from across the board together to celebrate the festival. So, now, I am just bringing those plans to fruition,” he says.

A painting by K N Ramachandran

Last year’s festival had 50 artistes from across India and from different fields coming together to collaborate. This year, the festival has gone international, and has 70 artistes from India and Britain. The reason for the number and the choice of the British artistes in particular, says Karthikeyan, is because India celebrates 70 years of Independence this year. “This is the theme that ties the festival together. We came up with a timeline; artists picked out their favourite year and then created some art installation based on it,” explains the curator, adding that he plans to have a tie-up with one country for each annual instalment of the festival.

Artwork by Kunal Naik

The variety of art forms at the festival will range from painting and sculpture to visual mapping and theatre. In attendance will be artist Kunal Naik who has correlated the Pokhran blast in 1998 (his year of choice) and the teachings of the Buddha. “Every artist has the power to give. Imagine 70 such artists from different parts of the world creating work live over five days. That’s a good enough reason for me to participate,” says the artist.

Karthikeyan Ramachandran

Along with visual displays, theatre performances and sound-based installations will also be present. “I don’t really like the term musical performances because it always brings to mind an NH7 or a Supersonic. This is a very different format from music fests,” says Karthikeyan, who emphasises that this festival is to celebrate art in all its forms.

One such performance at the festival will be by the Bandish Projekt, headed by composer and DJ Mayur Narvekar, whose installation will include ambient, low-tech sounds to complement the visual installations. “The best part about the Appa art fest is that it’s just not a music fest, but it also emphasis on different new and old art forms from around the globe. It’s very important for today’s generation and people to see how any art is so inspiring and people who create it are enthusiastic about sharing their life stories, experiences and you get to know them one on one,” says the DJ and performer.

Part artiste’s retreat, part art festival, Appa Art Fest will also have a Holi bash. “It seemed fitting to have a festival of colours with a group of artistes. There is something that is simply poetic about that. We are looking forward to an eco-friendly celebration and hope to celebrate with the artistes as well as visitors,” concludes Karthikeyan.

From 9 to 13, 11 am onwards, At Kundali Road, Kamshet