The 12-Day camp set to take place in Badanga village in Udaipur Rajasthan
While there are international art fairs and there are national art fairs, there is one organisation that is doing its bit for taking arts to the villages. The Common Art Institute is gearing up for the inauguration of a 12-day international art camp set to take place in Badanga village, situated in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan. This art event, designed to facilitate cultural exchange between India and various foreign nations, is scheduled to commence in the evening of February 1, 2024. The opening ceremony will be presided over by distinguished personalities such as Sanjay Upadhyay, Prof Suresh Sharma, and Prof LL Verma, as announced by camp director Dr Chiman Dangi during a press conference.
With a focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding and environmental conservation, the camp will bring together renowned artists from both India and abroad, spanning the realms of art, culture and literature. The roster of participating artists is an impressive one, featuring talents like Ducky L’Orange from Australia, Aika Ceylan from Turkey, Acunzo and Karola from the Netherlands, Karen Macher from Peru, Julia Holtman from Germany, Pamela Lyon from Poland, Mikako Kura from Japan, Celina Bonelli from Italy, Sonja Zoffo from Serbia, Ana Catalina from Romania, Julieta Mendez from Argentina, Marina from Italy, Tavia La Follette from the USA, and notable Indian artists including Bhupat Doody, Harendra Mahato, Nilesh Sidhpura, and Prof Srinivasan Iyer.
The patrons of the camp, including prof Madan Singh Rathore, have stressed the importance of incorporating local artists, particularly those showcasing tribal arts. The event will serve as a platform for the exchange of various art forms, encompassing painting, sculpture, audio-visual presentations, photography, and new media art. Project head Shyam Sundar Suthar emphasized that over 25 artists will contribute their diverse artworks, culminating in an exhibition that will be showcased in the village.
Dr Chiman Dangi, the camp director, underscored the camp’s overarching objective of promoting local art. He articulated that while contemporary art has undergone evolution, its roots are deeply embedded in the traditional folk art of rural areas. The international art camp in Badanga aspires to contribute to the ongoing narrative of art development by exposing foreign artists to the growth story of Indian art and artists. The camp aims to make them cognizant of the intricacies of rural art forms, further enriching the global artistic dialogue. In summary, the upcoming international art camp in Badanga represents a convergence of artistic minds from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and creations. It stands as a testament to the institute’s commitment to bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary art while promoting the invaluable heritage of rural artistic expressions.
