ABOUT PARI PROJECT
Public art spaces of India are a reflection of our Lok Kala and Lok Sanskriti. When we talk about Public Art, it is very dynamic and is an intersection of past, present and future. Through it, we can see the amalgamation of different ideas in various forms of art like traditional and contemporary. This art form which is freely accessible to the public; attracts not only attention but even thoughts begin to gather as to why this work of art is here, what is its uniqueness, what material it is made up of, and what is the thought of the artist behind this artwork. Making it open to various interesting interpretations. These are the few aspects which make this art very special. It connects the public to the art.
With rapid urbanization, Public Art enhances a sense of distinctiveness and adds aesthetic value to the image of a city. It contributes to the visual quality of the public arena encouraging community pride with a sense of belonging. It uplifts and engages visitors or passers-by’s travel experience by leaving an imprint in their minds.
Art is a vital medium to propagate and spread messages through creativity, hence the outreach of Public Art is immense and thought-provoking. It acts as a significant factor in giving visual recognition to a specific place. The public art augments and induces meaning to a public space making it an integral part of the culture and society.
On the occasion of 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, the Ministry of Culture has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India). The aim of this project is to stimulate a dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, contributing to the dynamic cultural fabric of the nation. This initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is being executed by Lalit Kala Akademi and National Gallery of Modern Art, which intends to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of India while incorporating modern themes and techniques.
The first big event under the Project PARI is taking place in Delhi. It coincides with the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India from 21st -31st July 2024.
More than 150 visual artists from all over the country have come together to create the various traditional artforms, wall paintings, murals, sculptures and installations under this project. Artists from all over the country have come together under this great initiative. One can see plethora of artforms at a same platform like Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura) and more. Women artists in large number have also participated in this programme in large number with great enthusiasm. The uniqueness of this project is that traditional and contemporary artists in such large number are working together for this public art project. UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well Natural Heritage Sites has been part of the artworks that are being executed along with various other themes.
The aim of the PARI project is to provide a platform to uplift the aesthetic and cultural outlook of Delhi while adding grandeur to the rich historical legacy of our national capital.
