Art attack at biennales in Dharavi and Pune

The Dharavi Biennale has been in the making for two years

What: The Dharavi Biennale has been in the making for two years. It blends art and science to showcase the contribution of Dharavi’s residents to the city’s economic and cultural life. The Biennale has been organised by the NGO SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action).

Making the Ishara puppets to be used for plays

Based on the themes of art, health, recycling and vitality, the Biennale invited residents to educate themselves on urban health, learn new skills, and produce artworks. It is structured around workshops that bring local artists together with mentor artists and health scientists to develop artworks that raise questions about urban health. Each workshop is called an Artbox and took place at the Dharavi gallery: Colour Box. All the Artboxes will come together during the exhibition.

A sari created as part of the Provoke Protect project

There will also be events as part of the Alley Galli Biennale (AGB), an art-for-health festival held across locations in Dharavi. Events include a puppet theatre performance by Dharavi participants and Ishara puppets on tuberculosis, launch of an anthology of comics created by Dharavi participants, Shane Solanki’s music workshop, a staging of The Vagina Monologues and a youth sexuality play scripted by Paromita Vohra and enacted by Dharavi youngsters. Upcycled products will also be on sale.

Dr Chang, Dentist; an artwork from the Dharavi Healers collection

From: February 15 to March 1
At: Colour Box, Sant Kakkaya ground, Jeevon Hall, Humpty Dumpty, Ambedkar Hall, Dharavi streets, Shama building, Ashok Mill Compound, Yashwant Rao Chauhan Hall, etc.
Log on to: www.dharavibiennale.com
Entry: Free 

What: The Pune Biennale is in its second edition and aims to make art accessible by showcasing talent from fields such as visual arts, architecture, and photography. It is an initiative of Bharati Vidyapeeth supported by the Pune Municipal Corporation. This edition will feature 150 artists and 300 students from various schools and colleges. The theme for the year is Heritage — Yours and Mine.

40 corporators created their vision on heritage at a painting workshop by Pune Biennale 2015

There will be five exhibitions, 30 site-specific installations, 25 large sculptures made from junk, and 15 art appreciation talks on aspects of heritage. Precursor events include street and graffiti art sessions, performance art workshops, etc. Sections of the Biennale are specifically designed for university level students and children. Mumbai-based artists such as Shilpa Nikam, Minal Damani and Prajakta Palav will also be participating.

Pune Biennale 2015 street art activity by students of KC Thackeray School

From: February 6 to 15, 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
At: Deccan College, Yerawada; Bal Gandharva Art Gallery,  Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Ghole Road and Pt Bhimsen Joshi Kaladalan, Sahakar Nagar, Pune.
Log on to: punebiennale.org
Entry: Free

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!