Public spaces in Kolkata to become canvas for street art festival

Supervised by eminent artist Jogen Chowdhury, a team of 15 artists, including well-known names such as Barun Saha, will be depicting various social contexts through mural art.

The organisers have decided that the soon-to-begin festival will take place at 20 locations, including Ballygunge tram depot, Eden Gardens, Park Circus tram depot, walls in New Alipore and three metro stations.

According to the organisers, in the next five years, they plan to paint more than 500 walls of the city.

Talking about this unique initiative, Jogen Chowdhury said: “This is a noble initiative which will revamp the city as well as act as a  recognition for the artists. Such initiatives will enable people to admire the art at large as art exhibitions mostly draw a select group of viewers.”

“There have been such street art festivals since the 70s. The beatification of an area cannot be done only through paintings but we should also look after the cleanliness of that particular area,” he added.

Fashion designer Agnimitra Paul, who was also present at the event, suggested that the organisers keep a wall for the citizens to paint too.

Discussing about this initiative, Abhijit Roy, CEO  & MD, Berger Paints said: “We have a long association with this city. It is time for us to give something back to this city. Apart from making the city look cleaner and beautiful, this festival will give artists an opportunity to showcase their art and feelings to the public.”

(Reporting by Adit Majumder, Images by Avishek Mitra)