Design is an underrated term when it comes to the different aspects of it. It is a part of a perspective, a result of how ideas evolve. SPACES Fest, aims to converge culture and politics into the realms of design which we are positioned in. When the design of our thoughts, lives, laws, nation, and constitution shapes a reality that we are obliged to live with, an open space for various thoughts will shine a light on the context and the nature of design and aesthetic sense we have culminated towards as communal and social beings.
SPACES fest is a chance to experience a good mix of speakers from broader horizons to redefine the grits and glory, to measure and demystify the myths and traditions in the world of culture and politics that mankind has designed over the years. It is casting wider net bringing together academics, actors, architects, writers and thinkers all on one platform.
Dynamics of the Spaces We Live In
The recent deluge and landslides that has occurred designed or otherwise, calls for recognizing space as a fragile resource in new Kerala; to build or not to build has become a question. Have we thought of the right to space as we live in the zones of our comfort? Discussing the democracy of a shaap, chayakkada or a vaayanashala, which is seldom thought of, the dangers of skipping arts at school which might not have even crossed our mind, on temporary architecture from theatre to cinema, SPACES ties together serious and light hearted topics linking it through an interesting play of culture, politics and architecture.
The Space of Fame
The presence of celebrities from different walks of art, architecture, culture and politics makes the list of speakers longer and exciting. Pinarayi Vijayan, Sashi Tharoor, BV Doshi, Palinda Kannangara, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Rakesh Sharma, Peter Gast, Sunil P Ilayidom, Benyamin, Jaya Jaitely, Prakash Raj, Manu S Pillai are a handful from a long list of speakers who will be talking about topics beyond their craft on the space they are familiar with.
Taking Art Forward
SPACES shines its spotlight on a variety of ethnic art forms through a range of sessions.
For a unique art form like Theyyam, the link between the art form and the space it is performed in is vital. But when the space it is performed in is under decline, there needs to be discussions and ways to rejuvenate the art form. SPACES will feature ethnic art forms like Theyyam, Tholpavakooth and Pulikali. The discussions on the wisdom of sacred spaces will help unfold the importance and magnificence of the spaces and its umbilical link to such art forms.
Rejecting the idea of exhibiting art in a closed space, the fest will feature an art installation by Riyas Komu the co-founder of Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The installation made of books pitches the concept of mathilukal or walls real or otherwise acting as a boundary for the space of our thoughts.
Workshops and discussions on pottery, murals and crafts by artists like P K Sadanandan, renowned for creating, reviving and restoring mural paintings in Kerala will throw light on the nuances of the dying art-forms.
The concert by T.M Krishna and the film festival curated by vetran film maker Shaji N Karun will be an added highlight of the cultural events organized as a part of the fest.
Walking Through the Spaces of Heritage
The architectural fest happening in the capital city gives an opportunity for the history enthusiasts to experience the city’s hidden history. The Trivandrum Heritage Trail will be a unique experience in understanding the history and architecture of the places we are familiar with. The participants will get a chance to visit the major heritage site and places of cultural significance.
With more than 100 sessions led by more than 300 speakers spread over four days SPACES will be a summation of our culture, one when we take to practice becomes our politics and our ethical interfaces of social living.