JOIN USVarious art forms, made of bamboo, took centre stage during the inaugural function of a two-day CAVA Mela, held at Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA), here, on Saturday.
The exhibition-cum-sale of bamboo artefacts and other works of students of CAVA, also marked the culmination of a seven-day workshop on bamboo art, held at the Academy.
A team of bamboo craftsmen from Hunsur taluk, led by Chikkasiddaiah, organised the workshop for students. He spoke on the importance of bamboo and how bamboo craftsmanship was hit by the rampant use of plastic.
“Earlier, communities like ours made good trade by selling bamboo plates and other items. Nowadays, the rampant use of plastic has affected the trade,” he said.
Ecological importance
Speaking on the ecological importance of bamboo, he said, the Central Government had launched the National Bamboo Mission to boost cultivation of bamboo, due to its manifold benefits.
Speaking about bamboo art, he said, craftsmen from North Eastern part of the country and Kerala were experts in the form, mainly due to the easy availability of bamboo.
The weather in these parts are conducive for the growth of bamboo, so, a large number of people are active as bamboo artisans in these parts of the country, he said.
Speaking about the exhibition, CAVA Dean V A Deshpande said, the objective behind organising an exhibition-cum sale, was to ensure that the art of CAVA students reach every home in the city. The artefacts are moderately priced, he added.
Exhibition
Besides various artefacts made of bamboo, the exhibition has paintings and photographs of students, up for sale. Attractive art installations and other craft forms are also part of the exhibition.