The nearly 300-year-old fish market at Kalibabur Bazar in Howrah witnessed a unique event as Kolkata-based postmodernist artist Hiran Mitra conducted a live painting exhibition. This exhibition, part of the ‘Art in Every One’ initiative by the multidisciplinary arts group Howrah Jonaki, took place from July 9 to July 11.
Hiran Mitra showcased 31 new paintings at various spots within the fish market, offering a vibrant display of art amidst the daily hustle and bustle of fish trading. This event marked the second edition of the ‘Art in Every One’ initiative, following a successful first showcase in late 2023 and early 2024.
Born in 1945, Hiran Mitra graduated from Kolkata’s Government College of Arts and Crafts and has made a name for himself by blending elements of performance art into his paintings. The idea for this public art exhibition originated from Mitra’s desire to present his work outside traditional gallery spaces, making art more accessible to the general public, explained Biswajit Das, the creative director of Howrah Jonaki.
According to Das, the market sees a daily footfall of around 15,000 people. “Many people, including vendors, were curious about the artwork, while others didn’t engage with it at all,” he said. Sukumar Mondol, a fish seller at Kalibabur Bazar for nearly three decades, expressed his pride in hosting Mitra’s art in the market, though he noted that many buyers were puzzled by the unusual display.
Arabinda Bandopadhyay, a ninth-generation descendent of the market’s founder Kali Banerjee, emphasized the family’s deep connection to the arts and their support for such initiatives. He believes that showcasing art in heavily populated public spaces allows more people to experience it.
This event highlighted the intersection of daily life and high art, demonstrating that creativity can thrive even in the most unexpected places.
Source-The Hindu
