The 16th edition of Chitra Santhe, one of India’s largest day-long street fairs, saw as many as 1,200 artists display their work along Kumara Krupa Road from Shivananda Circle to Windsor Manor Junction. Hundreds of people flocked to the fair for a visual feast, and got a chance to interact with artists working across various mediums, face painters and caricature artists. The festive atmosphere reinforced the idea that art should not have to be relegated to galleries and private spaces.

Mohit Verma, a mural artist who has been participating in the fair for the past nine years, described the santhe (market) as a bridge between artists and art lovers. “I feel happy when people take the time out to come and appreciate art. Chitra Santhe is not just about buying and selling art work.”

This year, the santhe — organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (CKP) — was dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi to mark his 150th birth anniversary.

“The atmosphere is so lively. There is art everywhere. It’s a feast for the eyes. This is the first Chitra Santhe I have attended. I will definitely be back next year,” said Sowmya N., an interior designer.

Students of Chitrakala Parishath have been working on organising the fair for the past four weeks. “The response to the fair has made our efforts worthwhile. It is satisfying to see visitors from across the city,” said Chethana Singh, a first-year student at CKP.

However, there appeared to be little by way of garbage management. The visitors left the street strewn with litter despite the availability of dustbins.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / January 06th, 2019