Growing up in a Bengali household in the 1990s, aanka shekha or drawing lessons were a quintessential rite of passage. But Gargi Sen Gupta, a Chennai-based change consultant, never quite derived any joy from the mundane lessons. Her surprise was rather justified then when she found herself picking up rocks from a stream with fifteen other strangers to create a collective artwork on a large canvas.
Today, when she looks back at the art-based retreat organised by Project Aaina in the idyllic hill station of Coorg, she realises that it was no ordinary vacation. "When we picked up those paintbrushes, we were not just painting, but rather, articulating what was going through our heads. Far removed from the gimmicks of over-crowded touristy spots, an art retreat like that truly cleanses the mind, body and soul," she says.
Sen Gupta's words are evocative of a larger legion of travellers seeking something more substantial from their holiday itinerary than a postcard-perfect snapshot for the 'gram. It comes as little surprise then that art-based tourism is emerging as one of the most prominent travel trends for the year. But rather than consuming art passively at a gallery, a new wave of art-themed retreats are aiming to encourage people to reconnect with their inner selves and elevate the conventional sun-and-sand itinerary into a transformative vehicle for catharsis.
Aloha, Art-cations
Esta historia es de la edición February 2024 de Elle India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2024 de Elle India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Indu Antony And The Gentle Art Of Feminism
In an unfiltered conversation with Akshaya Pillai, the multidisciplinary artist lays out a manifesto for a creative life
Taapsee Pannu: A True Original
The actor in conversation with Ainee Nizami Ahmedi on the roles that shape her on & off screen
Canvas Chronicles
The rise of art-cations is elevating conventional vacations into a therapeutic medium of catharsis and transformation for the soul, finds Hasina Jeelani
A FEAST For The EYES
What goes into making a dish that looks like a masterpiece? Notable chefs take Isha Mayer through the art of plating
Yala's Hidden Gem
Zoha Castelino visits the Hilton Yala Resort, where elegance meets nature
The New Wave
Barry Rodgers on the artists to have on your radar, as recommended by gallerists
Tracing Tattoo Trails
Sakshi Rawte on the developing relationship between crossing continents and lines of ink
Sculpted In Time
2022 Venice Biennale's youngest artist, Niyamat Mehta, takes Geetika Sachdev through her art journey
Crafting His Narrative
Yuvraj Menda in conversation with Ipsita Kaul on his much-talked-about debut and his enduring love for Home Alone
Can't Stop Blushin'
This cult-favourite product has taken over our beauty shelves, and we're not complaining, reports Urmi Dande