Rang Rasiya-Freedom of Expression Art Competition

~ The hunt for a new visionary ~

The first season of Rang Rasiya-Freedom of Expression Art Competition is an annual nation wide contest, which is an endeavour by Infinity Filmed Entertainment and Maya Movies to bring about a socio cultural movement, which discovers new talent, who are passionate about freedom and expressing their freedom in the form of art. This art movement is a tribute to the revolutionary painter of 19^th century, Raja Ravi Varma. The art movement was announced at a press conference addressed by Aanand Mahendroo and Deepa Sahi producers of the film Rang Rasiya, Ketan Mehta director of the film, Randeep Hooda the actor who plays Raja Ravi Varma in the film, Nandana Sen the actor who plays Sugandha in the film, noted painter Chintan Upadhyay, Rajitsinghji Gaekwad from the Baroda royal family.

The eligibility for the art competition is anyone above the age of 18 years, an amateur artist, a passionate painter, a professional artist and anyone who loves the art of colours. Starting from December 21, 2008 interested participants can register on www.rangrasiya.com by uploading their work and till January 15, 2009.

Raja Ravi Varma was known as a visionary who redefined the way the Indians worshipped, dressed and imagined their tradition. He succeeded in bringing art out of the clutches of the aristocracy and the orthodox priestly class priests, making art an integral part of popular culture.

The movement is launched to "Hunt for the New Visionary'. The Art Competition will take place in four innovative phases. After the entries are closed on January 15, 2009, based on their past work uploaded as a part of their registration process, selected participants shall be asked to do a painting project on a subject to be chosen by the contestant out of the five options given to the contestant Phase I of the competition will be launched at this stage. Of the participants who submit the projects, the judges will shortlist 1000 participants based on the evaluation of their project. These 1000 shortlisted participants shall be asked to do a project which will be specified and they shall be asked to come to their respective regional centers and present their work to the judges.

Judging process for this phase will take place at a regional level in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bhopal. The judges will have direct interaction with the candidates for authenticity of their work. The judges will select four finalists per region out of the 1000. These final 20 artists are the chosen few of our Rang Rasiya Freedom of Expression Movement that have been chosen from across the country.

These The 20 shortlisted contestants will then move on to the next phase. Phase II, the 20 short listed candidates will visit an archaeological site at Badami wherein Nadana Sen, who plays Raja Ravi Varma's muse in the film, will pose as the real life muse for these contestants. The contestants will then interpret her in their own way in the form of paintings.

In the Phase III of the competition, which is the Art as Function phase wherein the contestants will be taken to a warehouse with modular furniture and will be asked to set up their surroundings in their own artistic way.

The IV and the final phase is conceived as a public community art activity. The community selected here is the Marol Village Community; activities will involve doing an art/aesthetic intervention in the public spaces in the community. In this round the 20 contestants will be divided into groups of four, a famous painter will head each group. This phase will be a seven days activity, wherein the contestants will have to create a piece of art in collaboration with the community alongwith the villagers in the community.

The competition ends on March 15, 2008, which will be followed by the grand finale. Grand Finale will be a mega cultural event. Apart from a night of judging and giving away of the prizes, the event will have the best of performances by troupes, singers and bands.

Commenting at the onset of the most innovative art movement Mr. Aanand Mahendroo, Co-producer of Rang Rasiya said, "Rang Rasiya Freedom of Expression Art Movement is a tribute to the creative talent of a visionary artist Raja Ravi Varma. This concept is weaved in such a way that it helps us bring out the radical talents that prevail in our country. We are indeed hunting for a new visionary artist in the 21st Century."

Deepa Sahi, Producer of Rang Rasiya said, "The concept of an art competition is extremely novel in our country. Its an opportunity for the creative talents in our country to come and express themselves freely on the canvas and bring a change in the contemporary art."

Ketan Mehta, Director of Rang Rasiya said, "It is the most unique way to convey the true essence of my film Rang Rasiya. The film is about a visionary artist of 19th Century who faced a lot of criticism for his expression in form of art. However, here we are providing a platform or rather we are looking forward for a new visionary for the 21st Century. The concept indeed is novel and impressive, and I will be looking forward for the creative art that will be showcased in the process of the art movement.