Art for our sake

Studio Baadal Ghar

What is the purpose of art? There are many for a willing ear and exploring mind. To note a few - art mirrors life from the angles one might need to better understand or question it; and speaking of the process of creating art, it is telling and reflective if not joyful. Finnisage is an art festival by Baadal Ghar, an art studio run by artists Shailee Mehta and Aditi K, that focuses on these aspects of art. The studio is a space for community, creation and conversation - and, not just for showcasing and viewing. If art is not made accessible, what is the point of it? Additionally, art must respond to the world around it, and so Aditi tells us, "We wanted to create an open room where people, ideas and energies can flow in and out."

Art by Aditi K

The festival will comprise an exhibition of artworks by the studio founders along with artists Annalisa Mansukhani, Vidhi Doshi, Alika Tandon Vieira, Ranjani Tavargeri and others. In turn, they invite people to break from their role as viewers and interact with art and its creators. If galleries ever intimidate you, allow your interest in art to take shape at Finnisage. To make art permeable for the benefit of the viewer, Mehta says, "We're trying to build an intersectional space where you don't just stand in front of the work and leave quietly. It has to be more conversational."

Mehta's art titled When She Began to Convalesce

Taking things a step further, Aditi will conduct a pottery workshop on April 15 and 16 to initiate visitors to their own artistic explorations. Mehta proudly shares details of her co-founder's session that will introduce participants to the history of clay and guide them through clay-building exercises. The festival will also house a tattoo pop-up between April 22 and 24. Handpoke tattoo artist Shomil and artist Kavya from Ayvak among others might encourage you to become a walking canvas and leave with art on your body.

Aditi K and (right) Shailee Mehta

The festival brings back conversational reflection in art and emphasises its process; not holding on to its commercial outcome only. Aditi says, "The carnival adds life to art instead of just having pieces hang on a wall." This will be Baadal Ghar's last festival in the city before they shift base to Goa. While we can access the studio for online workshops and digital events in the future, catch this fest for an experiential on-ground visit.

On: April 15 to 27; 10 am to 5 pm (pottery workshop)
At: Baadal Ghar, La Terressa, Navkiran Marg, Four Bungalows Market, Andheri West
Log on to: @baadalghar on Instagram to sign up