KHOJ KOLKATA
Kolkata, West Bengal – 2006:
Founded in mid-2005, Khoj Kolkata was the eastern chapter of the Khoj International Artists Association, a registered society since 1997. The organisation was a part of the Triangle Arts Trusts, London and was focussed on connecting South Asia to the world. It was set with the intention to create a platform for alternative art practice in Kolkata. In addition, it aimed to improve interactions between artists in eastern and north-eastern India and engaged in fruitful exchanges between its counterparts. Khoj Kolkata also joined hands with Britto in Bangladesh and Sutra in Nepal by way of workshops, residencies and seminars.
Khoj Kolkata held its first International Artists Workshop, in 2006, at ‘Chaudhuri Bari’, a sprawling 19th century edifice in Baruipur. Khoj invited 12 national and 12 international artists to reside together at the heritage property for two weeks exchanging ideas, encountering varied methods and approaches and exploring alternative visual expression.
In 2006, Khoj Kolkata also started its residency for Indian and International Artists, especially young and emerging artists, in south Kolkata. The residency provided accommodation and infrastructure facilities to the artist and was for a duration of 4 weeks.
Khoj Kolkata ran successfully for a decade before operations gradually petered out owing to the sudden death of its Chairperson, Abhijit Gupta. At present, their only activity is a residency with an Artists initiative in Aarau, Switzerland where Khoj sends an artist every two years to participate.
Text Courtesy : Space118
Image Courtesy : KHOJ Kolkata