Ranchi: Capital is all set to get drenched in international colours this week.
The first-of-its-kind International Water Colour Festival, being organised by department of tourism, art-culture, sports and youth affairs in association with Fabriano In Acquarello, an international forum of artists, kicked off at Audrey House in Ranchi on Wednesday.
"Even though the festival began today (Wednesday) it will be formally inaugurated by chief minister Raghubar Das tomorrow (Thursday)," said state art, culture and tourism secretary Manish Ranjan.
The festival, which will conclude on August 27, is being held in two sections - a painting exhibition by artists from Italy, UAE, Brazil and India and a workshop to be attended by over 50 artists from 17 countries.
"The first exhibition was held in Brazil in September last year and this year we reached India. We will cover Italy and UAE in next two years," said Anna Massinissa of Italy, founder of Fabriano In Acquarello.
While the list of artists from different countries include names like Anna Massinissa (Fabriano), Elena Dzyuba (Russia), Victoria Grigorieva (Ukraine), Shohag Parvez (Bangladesh) and Mong Sho (China), the Indian art contingent will be represented by Milind Mulick, Rajesh B. Sawant, Sailesh Meshram, Nirupam Konwar, Ramesh Jhawar and Praween Karmaker, among others.
"This is also the first time in India when so many artists from different countries will be showcasing their art on a single platform," said Rajat Subhra Bandyopadhyay, head from the Asian wing of Fabriano In Acquarello.
On Wednesday, a handful of artists were seen painting their imaginations on canvas while others attended an interactive session on Audrey House premises.
Mahsa Isapour from Iran, who was busy making brush strokes, said she loved coming to India. "I had visited Mumbai and Goa before. I am loving the experience," she added.
"Main pahle bahut bar India ayi hun aur Hindi bhi janti hun (I have visited India several times and can even speak in Hindi)," said Anita Bhattarai from Nepal while she was seen painting a beautiful landscape of her country.<>The organisers also plan to accompany the artists to nearby touristy locations. Besides, the artists will also interact with schoolchildren on various themes. Some cultural programmes have also been lined up.
