‘The Catalyst’ attracts many in city book fair
LUCKNOW: In what could be termed as a perfect fusion of art and technology, an installation in Lucknow Book Fair depicts how scattered alphabets transform into meaningful words when put together in right order.
Created by a group of artistes, the installation is a cylindrical structure made of wood and polycarbonate sheets with Hindi and English alphabets inscribed on them and linked with audiovisual devices. Light and sound effects make the letters move and form words.
The artistes associated with Kala Srot art gallery claim the installation to be a first of its kind displayed in the ongoing book fair at Moti Mahal lawns.
Bhupendra Asthana, artiste and curator at Kala Srot said, “The idea came from our vision to create something unique which could be linked to human life. The installation showcases how scattered individual alphabets have no meaning, but transform into meaningful words and sentences when brought together in right order.”
“So, apart from being a mere display of art-work, the installation also spreads a message,” he added.
The installation named as ‘The Catalyst’ has become one of the major attractions of the book fair.
“Looking at the big response we have got from visitors and senior artistes of Lucknow and outside, we intend to put the installation at some fixed place in the city so that it can be seen by other people also. The art gallery is too small to accommodate the installation. Hence, we are looking for some space where it can be fixed permanently,” said Asthana.
The installation is a group effort of Amit Kumar, Harish Ojha, Shatr udhan Kumar Gupta, Shitanshu G Maurya and Vidyasagar Singh.
“Since it was to be put up at the book fair, we thought of connecting the theme to books and alphabets. It took us around three days to complete the installation,” said Shitanshu.
The installation showcases how scattered individual alphabets have no meaning, but transform into meaningful words and sentences when brought together in right order. AJIT KUSHWAHA, law student