WHEN you hink of buying art material or a geometry box for your child the first name that comes to mind is none other than Camlin. It has become synonymous with art in the country and has walked along with many creative minds for generations adding colour to their dreams and desires.
“Camlin India’s journey with art started 75 years ago,” says Dilip Dandekar, chairman and managing director of the company. He was in the city for the inauguration of Camlin’s 10th Southern Region Art Exhibition at Durbar Hall the other day.
Many vibrant paintings by several artists - professionals, students and art teachers - are on display at the exhibition. As part of the event a cash award of Rs 1 lakh was given to eight artists selected by a panel of judges consisting of well-known artists like Rajan Krishnan from Kochi, J M S Mani from Bangalore and Kavita Deoskar from Hyderabad.
“We try and provide a platform for every artist in the country,” says Dilip. Camel Art Foundation is a non-profit foundation aimed at promoting and spreading the language of art. A rise from 550 entries in 1998 to 6,189 entries in 2007 is testimony to their success in awaking creative minds. The competitions at the regional level culminate in a yearly Europe tour during which the young and aspiring artists are introduced to various genres in the art scenario. “We organise tours from Louvre in Paris to other destinations like the Vatican, Milan and the London museum which house great works of art.
These visits inspire the artists. This will be reflected in their work later,” says Dilip.
When they started off in 1931 art was in its nascent stage. Art materials were expensive and it was only the highly priced Winson Newton colours that were available. “Parents never encouraged children to take part in art competitions. But now there is a vast change. Around 32 lakh children participate in the school level competitions held by Camlin every year,” says Dilip.
An avid art lover, Dilip has a good collection of art by world famous artists. “Though I don’t paint I appreciate art in all its forms, especially works by Husain,” he says.
With the introduction of 200-odd art materials in the market the company is registering a 25 to 30 percent yearly growth and is unfazed by Chinese and international brands making a presence in the country. “This is the result of the personal touch that we provide,” says Dilip who is also the honorary consul to the country of Mongolia.
jijicherian@epmltd.com
