'Rang Matir Panchali' to portray Kumartuli in a new avatar
Kolkata: Kumartuli — the artisan hub of Kolkata — is all set to be transformed into a new avatar with a unique celebration of the artistry of the idol makers for the first time in the history of the city. A two- day carnival titled "Rang Matir Panchali", will take place on Sunday and Monday to mark the occasion of World Art Day and Poila Baisakh on April 15.
Three major lanes will be flanked by installations. Some of them will be in open air while others will be displayed inside several studios. An uneven patch of multiple colours will run from the gate along the ground, thus guiding the visitors along the exhibition trail.
Exhibits will include idol-making, installations, paintings, sculptures, photographs, wall graffiti, street art etc. Modern art is blending with the traditional besides keeping Kumartuli's rustic charm intact.
About 30 artistes of Kumartuli are involved in this initiative including women idol makers China Pal and Mala Pal. Well-known theme makers Sushanta Pal and Partha Dasgupta are acting as mentors in the carnival.
Three inmates from Pavlov Mental Hospital who have a fetish in art have also been roped in and they are working alongside Nabakumar Pal and Jiten Pal who are associated with the traditional idol making of Bagbazar Sarbojonin for years.
"It has been less than a month when we reached with the concept to the idol makers of Kumartuli. They welcomed the suggestion and formed an umbrella body named Kumartuli Art Forum, uniting the three unions for organising the event," said Sabyasachi Chatterjee who runs a creative agency and is managing the event. A leading paint company that awards "Sharad Samman" to the best Durga Pujas across the city has extended a helping hand in the event.
Pictures have been taken of various corners of the hub and of various activities of the idol makers. Their idle afternoons have also been captured through photographs.
The two-day carnival will be inaugurated at Banamali Sarkar Street at 3 pm on Sunday.
