Launch of the art programme at BIAL

The art programme for Terminal 2 (T2) of Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) was launched. You may wonder why or can one ‘launch’ something that is already a functioning airport terminal. Well, this was a celebration of the artists who created the artworks specifically for T2 and it was the closure of four years of work that went into the making of it.

Therefore it is important to understand the genesis of the art programme. The art programme was structured on two key principles, first that the art has to make a difference to all its users, be it passengers or the staff who work there. This meant that the locations would have to be impactful and it had to tell a story that would connect. The story we chose was that of the naurasa or the emotions we as humans experience through life and in art. All the artists responded to naurasa or nine emotions based on an insightful essay written specifically for the art programme by Latika Gupta. This became the common thread that connects all the various artworks.

The second principle - the selection of artists. How does one remain objective in an area that is defined by its subjective? As a curator of the art programme I was conscious of my responsibility to use the opportunity of public space to include a wide range of artists and art forms to tell the story of naurasa from as many perspectives as possible. Therefore, the classifications of contemporary, traditional, craft, folk, and design did not matter. Which allowed for the creation of open calls asking for proposals. The first was in 2020 and the most recent one was in 2022. Each time we were overwhelmed with the responses, reiterating that the path we chose was spot on. The selection of the proposals was rigorous, and the final say was by an art advisory panel that evaluated the proposals.

The art programme represents over 40 artists who came from a wide cross-section, from some young graduates to veterans with over six decades of experience. Most of them were creating the art as the terminal building was being completed. This was quite a challenge as each had to work based on the information provided and their imagination. Thus, we felt that all the creative minds that have contributed to the creation of the art must experience the space as a collective and meet the different artists of the art programme. After all their works coexist and narrate a story individually as well as collectively.

The launch was an occasion to celebrate the completion of a unique art programme. Day one of the launch began with a walk-through of the terminal. This was a day of casual interaction, artists explaining their works – some shy others vivacious, it was wonderful to see all the artists in their element! Day two was intense with panel discussions at the Bengaluru International Center (BIC). There were eight moderated panel discussions where the artists articulated their thoughts and technical aspects and the complexities of installation in a terminal building. These panel discussions gave participants an opportunity to learn the nuances of the artworks, especially in a public space.

BIAL’s art programme began its journey in 2019 with a symposium on the need for art in public spaces at the Bangalore International Center and celebrated the launch of its vibrant art programme at the same venue in 2023!

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