Rashtrapati Bhavan muse for artists

Quirky office stationery fashioned out of coconut shells and other everyday material that sport faces of some previous Presidents is what Rahool Saksena, a painter from Chennai, envisions to create during his stay at the Rashtrapti Bhavan here.
Saksena, is one of the four artists -- two painters and two writers -- invited to participate in the second edition of 'In-Residence' programme launched by President Pranab Mukherjee in December last year.
Under the programme, young and upcoming writers and artists are invited to "rejuvenate their artistic impulses" by providing them an environment to stay close to nature in the picturesque and serene surroundings of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Each and every wall of Rashtrapati Bhavan speaks to me. I have a piece of art in mind for the walls, the galleries and even the official desks. It is difficult to put all into place right now. But after the program I am surely going to work on pieces for Rashtrapati Bhavan," Saksena told PTI.
Saksena who became a full time artist after relinquishing a 15-year-old corporate career, is comfortable with various types of mediums ranging from glass, wood and even foodgrains.
"I can create anything from anything. To me this ever changing form of art is art in itself," he says.

Known for his quirky art pieces, Saksena says he intends to put forward a proposal to help promote contemporary architecture and beauty of the President's official residence which he says would also generate work for artisans.

One of his ideas is to create souvenirs in the Patachitra style art form for tourists visiting the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"I will help start the project and this can provide employment to many Patachitra artists. At the same time a visitor can take back a unique piece of art as a reminder of our culture, heritage and a symbol of the seat of power of the country," says Saksena.

The programme "Artists in Residence" now in its second year began on September 7 and invited artists are set to continue to stay here till September 26.