Art Street at Coimbatore Vizha merges sustainability and creative expression

A curious onlooker examining the piece
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sustain to Retain — SuRe, will be the theme of this year’s Art Street (formerly known by its Tamil name Oviya Sandhai) at Coimbatore Vizha, where sustainability meets creativity.

“We constantly challenge ourselves to stay relevant and innovative,” says P Ashwin Kumar, head of the Art Street for this edition. “This year, we will focus on trends like resin art, digital art, 3D installations, and upcycled sculptures, while showcasing nearly 2,000 artworks from over 100 artists. Art is constantly evolving, and we are pushing ourselves to keep pace with new techniques and ideas.”

A paper art piece illuminated by a lamp
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

One can find installations made from discarded CDs, plastic bottles, and other everyday waste. “The Art Street will show the potential of repurposing,” he explains. “These installations demonstrate that even the things we discard can be given a new lease of life. Each display will serve as a reminder of the waste we generate daily and its far-reaching impact on the environment, wildlife, and the health of future generations.”

For over a decade, the Art Street has provided a platform for both budding and experienced artists. This year, the event will include works by government school students, children with learning disabilities , and sand artists from women empowerment groups. Competitions held earlier in the year will give young artists the opportunity to showcase their skills. “Our aim is to discover emerging artists and to promote endangered art forms like tribal art, Pattachitra, Gond art, and Kerala mural works,” adds Kumar.

T. Mathiniraiselvan, an artist with 40 years of experience, sees this as a link between the past and future. “There was a time when artists painted advertisements. With the rise of digital printing, this practice faded. Such events give us the chance to reconnect with the roots of our craft,” he says.

A diverse collection of paintings featured in the previous Art Street exhibition.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

For artist Sabari Girija, art reflects life’s rhythm. “Life, like art, demands consistency. Every brushstroke mirrors the perseverance needed to shape our journey. Art, much like life, is a continuous process, where each step builds upon the last to create something meaningful,” she says. For K Akil Sree, the exposure gave her the confidence to pursue a career in art.

The Art Street will be more than an exhibition; it will celebrate creativity. “Artists invest months in preparing, and public appreciation fuels our passion,” says Girija. “Recognition of our work and effort behind each piece keeps us going. A little appreciation makes all the difference in an artist’s journey.”

On November 30 and December 1 from 10.30am to 7.30pm at Race Course.