Canvas Chronicles: The Museum of Art and Photography Celebrates the Grand Finale of ‘Art is Life’ Festival

Initiated in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly segment by YourStory, showcasing photographs that embody the essence of creativity and innovation. In the previous 830 articles, we highlighted an art festival, cartoon exhibition. global music festival, telecom fair, millets exhibition, climate change fair, wildlife symposium, startup celebration, Diwali rangoli, and jazz celebration.

The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru concluded its 2024 schedule of events with the weekend festival, Art is Life: New Beginnings. Check out our coverage of two years’ worth of exhibitions at MAP here.

The museum, along with its galleries, now serves as a recognized center of creativity within the vibrant city, offering captivating experiences across music, photography, sculpture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, and various other visual arts. Community engagement and educational activities encompass storytelling, workshops, expert discussions, and guided tours.

“Bengaluru has welcomed MAP in ways I could never have envisioned. We’ve gained immense knowledge throughout this journey as we strive to elevate the institution,” mentioned MAP founder Abhishek Poddar during a discussion with actor and Rangashankara founder Arundhati Nag.

Officially opened to the public on February 18, 2023, MAP seeks to spark creativity and foster connections among individuals through groundbreaking experiences and significant conversations. The emphasis is not only on tradition and heritage but also on modern modes of interaction, like digital platforms.

This photo essay features highlights from the 2024 festival, including crafts and artworks from the exhibitions The Forgotten Souvenir (mica paintings by Indian artists during colonial times), Visible/Invisible (representation of women in art) and Chay Reds, Ferrous Black (tales of Indian trade textiles in Sri Lanka).

Various workshops included traditional block printing (led by Tharangini Studio), crochet (by Crafty), and film poster design (by Anand Tharaney), while digital innovations facilitated new experiences to visualize MAP’s textile collection through projections on a large mirrored surface.

The early era of music technology was encapsulated in a vinyl listening session conducted by Arumugam Murugan, taking the audience back in time. Additional sessions focused on AI and art (led by Tara Kelton) and immersive sound experiences (by Farah Mulla and Fidrat Yildiz).

Additionally, an award-winning film Madhyantara was screened, followed by a dialogue with filmmaker Dinesh Shenoy. Some of Bengaluru’s oldest photography studios shared stories and images showcasing the city’s evolution.

A particularly fascinating panel explored the diverse microcultures present in Bengaluru, with various hobbyist collectives discussing their experiences. Participants from the Bangalore Astronomy Club, Playful Pursuits, Bang Birds, and Karnataka Quiz Association presented highlights and insights from their endeavors in fostering community and sharing knowledge.

MAP has established numerous art collaborations with like-minded museums globally. The festival included two screenings of Museums Without Borders, a digital partnership with the National Museum of Asian Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Karnataka’s vibrant cultural heritage was highlighted through folk performances of Yakshagana, Somana Kunita, and Kamsale. The festival peaked with a concert by award-winning multi-lingual vocalist Rekha Bharadwaj, who captivated a full audience despite the heavy rain outside.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the festival was the engaging presence of sign language interpreters from ASLI (Association of Sign Language Interpreters). They interpreted music performances in sign language, receiving widespread acclaim from attendees and emphasizing the often-overlooked significance of hearing.

“This year, we prioritized establishing environments for connection,“`html

dialogue, and happiness. The enormous feedback has confirmed our conviction that creativity genuinely belongs to all,” Poddar concludes.

So, what have you achieved today to take a moment in your hectic life and tap into your imaginative side for a brighter future?

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(All images captured by Madanmohan Rao at the site of MAP.)