Artist Manisha Chandel beside her creation crafted under the tutelage of sculptor Valsan Koorma Kolleri at the ongoing Master Practice Studios hosted by the Kochi Biennale Foundation at Fort Kochi. more-in Work is gathering momentum for the forthcoming edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is slated to get under way on December 12. The Kochi Biennale Foundation has already announced the first batch of artists, overseas and domestic, for the three-month art extravaganza and the master practice studios are under way too. Five young artists from different parts of the country are taking noted Indian sculptor Valsan Koorma Kolleri’s tutelage as part of the master studios at Pepper House. A press release said the idea is to give them new perspectives on art. Mr. Kolleri says his effort is directed towards building on the foundation that these young people have received in art from their schools and help them take off on their own. “What an art student learns in college is like what you learn from your nursery classes. It’s just the base; there’s much more to it. The practical sessions here are mostly to enhance their ability to think from different perspectives,” he says. Monotony in art After a strictly conventional education there’s always a chance that the young artist gets easily bored, he observes. “To get rid of this monotony, they shift to various mediums and sometimes it helps them to develop unique creations of their own,” he says. But he believes that for an artist it is not the medium that matters the most, but the expression. “That’s of primary significance. Every artist will have their own styles and mediums. Some may choose metal or wood, others might use clay or cloth. But it’s the output that matters.” To be able to enjoy other’s creativity, one should come up with his/her own unique style and creations which have depth, Kolleri adds. Manisha Chandel, who goes to the nearby beach every morning to collect leaves for her tree-trunk eagle, says Kolleri’s guidance has been eye-opening in many ways. “Earlier, I used to create many things without even realising their significance. But under his tutelage, I have a better understanding of my own works,” says the Ghaziabad-based artist. “Following his guidance I have chosen natural items to complete this creation.” Madhab Das, who completed his education from Delhi School of Art, usually uses iron as his medium. Since it takes a lot of time to collect iron here, he shifted to clay and wood. “And it’s a different experience,” he says. The studio has previously been led by masters such as Jyothi Basu, K. Raghunathan and P.K. Sadanandan. The next session will be led by renowned artist and graphic designer Orijit Sen.

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