Kolam Interactive Art Exhibit and Workshops
September 09, 2011
Experience the ancient Indian folk art form, Kolam, in this interactive art exhibit on display at
Northampton Community College's Communications Hall now through October 23. In addition to the art exhibit, several Kolam-related events will be held during the week of September 13.
During the course of the entire exhibition, visitors to the gallery may draw on the "Virtual Kolam" piece. Each of these drawings is immediately archived into an interactive piece displayed on a touch-screen monitor mounted in the gallery.
The exhibit is the result of a collaboration between Bruce Wall, associate professor art, and Josh Miller, assistant professor of communication design. Wall traveled to India on a Fulbright grant in 1980 to photograph Kolam designs in southern India. The folk art, which is still practiced today, is created by sifting rice flour and spices into patterns. Miller wrote his own software to allow viewers to interact with the artwork in unique ways.
The following events are free and open to the public:
Open Kolam Workshop
September 13, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
College Center, Laub Lounge
Stop by and make your own design using the traditional materials of rice flour, spices and flowers.
Kolam And Indian Philosophy (Lecture and Demonstration)
September 13, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
College Center, David A Reed Community Room 220
Campus-Wide Kolam Making
September 14, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
September 15, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Welcome all to NCC by helping to cover the quad, walkways, and building entrances with beautiful Kolams in white chalk.
Experiences With Indian Kolam
September 15, 3:30 p.m.
Kopecek Hall, Lipkin Theatre
Lecture by Bruce Wall and classical Indian dance.
Artist Reception
September 15, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Communications Hall
The exhibit is currently on display until October 23 in Communications Hall, Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road. The gallery in Communications Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The gallery is closed on Sunday. For more information call 610-861-5062.