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An art world is here
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The newly opened art factory, Villaveli, in Fort Kochi will be a melting point of foreign and local art forms and culture
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Photo: Vipin Chandran
Art of the matter Elena Koutoulidis
Art factory is a new term. A factory where creativity flows and creates art and Villaveli is the art factory at Fort Kochi. A creation of Elena Koutoulidis and her husband Jean- Marie Carrel it is an arena where art is in the air and in the soul.
220;That is what life is about, for if one does not create and reproduce, one does not grow. Whether it is cooking a dish for your family or writing a poem, creativity gives birth to tremendous power, and that is the centre of life. Without it we would become limp, fragile and then disintegrate into oblivion,” says Elena.
Why Kochi?
But why Kochi and Kerala? “Because it is where it would be appreciated most. Where culture and art forms would be understood than anywhere else,” she adds. Elena says that there is this sad notion, to a very large extent, especially amongst the general public, that tourism and tourists are only about “free thought” and fashionable clothing. “This is definitely not true, we have so much culture and varied art forms in Europe. Greece, from where I am, for example, is inundated with drama and theatre; and France, where it has seeped into the very fabric of people’s lives.” Elena explains travel is also about exchanging what we have with us. Offering it to other nations and to the peoples of the world. “Sharing the culture, the talent and the technology we may have with us to enrich the lives of the people we come in touch with,” she says. She is certain that this would create a change in the perception, understanding and outlook of those who venture to understand foreign art. “It would widen horizons and create a connectivity that would break all barriers.” At the Art factory Villaveli (also referred to as an art residency), the focus remains to do so. To share foreign art forms and culture with Kochiites.
At a three bedroom house with sufficient open space and free flowing air, the simple abode welcomes artists from various fields to stay and work on programmes that can involve the local people. This may range from multimedia to street theatre, even puppetry and drama. “Artists from different countries can apply with us where we will offer lodging and support. Of course they would be selected on the basis of their work and what they would be able to offer those who would take part in workshops.”
Workshops, she continues, would take place at intervals for a fee where participants would be led through a series of sessions to understand the intricacies of the art form.
For example, in a drama workshop to take place on November 25, Elena would lead participants through a series of exercises both metal and physical needed for an ideal performance.
Emotional content
“Drama is about control, both emotional and physical, it is about creating definite and precise boundaries that would exude the right energy towards the audience. It is not about flamboyant acting alone. When a strong and clear energy is sent forth, the audience is grasped by it. Most importantly, it creates a balance in the mind of the performer. He is in control of his thoughts and being that is often carried into everyday life. It helps people live better lives,” Elena elucidates. But then drama and theatre is only a part of what Elena and Jean Marie have in mind. There would be an array of creative art forms. Art comes in various guises, and when it is produced and then reproduced, when it is churned out, it breaks all barriers and melts all boundaries. Both within and around us.
TANYA ABRAHAM
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