Date:15/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/15/stories/2008031550790200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A riot of colour at ‘Kala Mela’

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: It is a riot of colour at the ‘Kala Mela’ that got under way on Friday at the Government Museum complex in Egmore and Lalit Kala Akademi on Greams Road.

Over 300 artists from the south Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa and Lakshadweep have showcased their work in 65 stalls at the artists’ fair organised jointly by Lalit Kala Akademi, the Government Museum and South Zone Cultural Centre of Thanjavur.

In the evenings, until Thursday, cultural programmes, including Carnatic vocal concerts, Bharatanatyam and folk dances performances and a power point presentation on Buddhism, will be held at the Museum theatre.

Kala Mela is expected to provide a platform for senior artists and novices to meet, discuss and learn. The fair, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offers a rich variety of art work. The sculptors and painters have innovated imaginatively and incorporated everyday scenes in their work.

Regional Director of Lalit Kala Akademi Rm. Palaniappan said the fair was organised outside the rigid atmosphere of art galleries to allow interaction with the common man.