Artists turn road into canvas to sketch colourful motifs

Kolkata: Around 3,000 artists from all over the state took part in a rally to celebrate the World Art Day here on Monday.

Well-known artist Jogen Chowdhury, who set up the Artist Forum of Bengal, was the convener of the programme.

The artists took part in a walk that started from Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Gol Park and ended at Deshpriya Park via Rashbehari Avenue. Young artists painted colourful motifs at Gol Park and Deshpriya Park. April 15 is observed as World Art Day to commemorate the birthday of Leonardo Da Vinci. The aim behind the celebrations is to create awareness about art.

Besides Chowdhury, Debabrata Chakraborty, Asit Pal, Samir Aich, Manasij Mazumdar, Atanu Paul, Bimal Kundu among others took part in the rally.

Chakraborty said the Artist Forum of Bengal is a non-political body whose only purpose is to create awareness about art among the younger generation. "One should connect deeply to appreciate art. This needs training and regular visits to the art galleries. Art is the best medium of communication which breaks the barriers of religion, caste and creed."

The forum will organise seminars, workshops and exhibitions as a part of the awareness drive. This was the second year of the rally. Chakraborty regretted that the media organisations are indifferent about the young artists and their work. "We have produced some of the finest painters and artists such as Abanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Ganesh Pyne, Ganesh Haloi, Bikas Bhattacharya and many more. Media's patronage is needed to inspire budding artists," he said.