Fresh paint
Mathures PaulContrary to popular perception, a stint in an art college can be a stepping stone to a bright future. Unlike before, when students used to stick to paint brushes for a few years, new avenues like animation and special effects greet graduates. The Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, is hosting its 141st annual exhibition. On display are paintings depicting themes ranging from sardine-can buses to fading rickshaws to the ever-whimsical influence time has over the human race. The few hundred creative works on display goes on to show that art college students still take the subject seriously.
Says Manoj Kumar Sarkar, officer-in-charge of the college, "I have been a part of the exhibition since the 60s. Presentation techniques have changed over time. Decorators are hired to put up the works and the exhibition is managed more professionally. Back then everything was done by students. Now I see new ideas finding their way to the canvas and students are as excited about the exhibition as before. Further the interaction between buyers and students takes place at the exhibition. This helps students to understand the art world better. In 2005 I see new trends, a desire to experiment. In the 60s, art was rigid and so were teaching methods."
Impossible to speak to every student of the college, four students were chosen to understand why the art college was still a good draw. Abhijit Pal’s work was the cityscape. "My father, grandfather are part of the art world. Thus, art comes naturally and had no problem securing support of my family members. I won’t say art students have no future. Though I have nothing against animation, I would want to stick to classic art. A few years of perseverance will help gain a footing in the art world," says Abhijit.
Tanya Bhatthacharya’s work is full of colours and life. "I joined the college out of love. Before joining art college, I had a liking for certain artists and now I my liking has changed. As you go along, you learn about art. To be a success in the art world you need two things — creativity and the ability to be focussed in one’s work. Even if an artist is seen in parties constantly, he or she must not lose sight and should know where to draw the line."
A student who wants to make a name for himself in the animation industry is Dipanjan Bagli. On canvas was his portrayal of a rickshaw puller. "The animation market is looking up. Having a strong foundation in art helps in creating great animation. The lines are stronger and drawings sharper. The good thing about art college is students and teachers are on the same level. Both are equally creative and teach each other," says Dipanjan whose favourite cartoon characters are Tom and Jerry.
Kaushik Dey at first wanted to become a teacher of art. "The dream is there. But I don’t want to write about the history of art in my NET examinations! Now I want to become an art director or an animator. I can even land a job in an advertising agency."
Agreed that it’s difficult to find models to pose for students. But overall, students of the art college are happy expressing their imagination on canvas, stone or metal and plucking fruits from the many trees that dot the college grounds.
Says Manoj Kumar Sarkar, officer-in-charge of the college, "I have been a part of the exhibition since the 60s. Presentation techniques have changed over time. Decorators are hired to put up the works and the exhibition is managed more professionally. Back then everything was done by students. Now I see new ideas finding their way to the canvas and students are as excited about the exhibition as before. Further the interaction between buyers and students takes place at the exhibition. This helps students to understand the art world better. In 2005 I see new trends, a desire to experiment. In the 60s, art was rigid and so were teaching methods."
Impossible to speak to every student of the college, four students were chosen to understand why the art college was still a good draw. Abhijit Pal’s work was the cityscape. "My father, grandfather are part of the art world. Thus, art comes naturally and had no problem securing support of my family members. I won’t say art students have no future. Though I have nothing against animation, I would want to stick to classic art. A few years of perseverance will help gain a footing in the art world," says Abhijit.
Tanya Bhatthacharya’s work is full of colours and life. "I joined the college out of love. Before joining art college, I had a liking for certain artists and now I my liking has changed. As you go along, you learn about art. To be a success in the art world you need two things — creativity and the ability to be focussed in one’s work. Even if an artist is seen in parties constantly, he or she must not lose sight and should know where to draw the line."
A student who wants to make a name for himself in the animation industry is Dipanjan Bagli. On canvas was his portrayal of a rickshaw puller. "The animation market is looking up. Having a strong foundation in art helps in creating great animation. The lines are stronger and drawings sharper. The good thing about art college is students and teachers are on the same level. Both are equally creative and teach each other," says Dipanjan whose favourite cartoon characters are Tom and Jerry.
Kaushik Dey at first wanted to become a teacher of art. "The dream is there. But I don’t want to write about the history of art in my NET examinations! Now I want to become an art director or an animator. I can even land a job in an advertising agency."
Agreed that it’s difficult to find models to pose for students. But overall, students of the art college are happy expressing their imagination on canvas, stone or metal and plucking fruits from the many trees that dot the college grounds.
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