coimbatore malumichampatti village here is known for an industrial estate and a few industrial units thats why it was an unusual setting for the art exhibition organised by the art and culture departmentmore than 30 paintings from various genres portrait figurative abstract and symbolist formed a temporary gallery put up at the government music college in the village for the twoday exhibition which was inaugurated on saturday the department had called for works from artists in the districtartists whose works were on display said such an exhibition by the state government was indeed a boost for them and such shows would help to build a sense of community among local artists t mathinirai selvan whose semiabstract works horses formed a part of the exhibition said such events would also help to take art to the people such governmentbacked events are a boon for artists as we dont have to bear the cost of logistics which we would have to in case of organising private shows he told toiofficials of the department said they were apprehensive of the exhibitions location as it was away from the city while their fears might have been justified in one sense the location surely had another positive aspect by holding the exhibition in the village the department opened up a whole new world for its residents including children villagers came to visit the exhibition along with their children who were watching the paintings with interestp nandakumar whose symbolist work on organ donation earned much appreciation at the event said he too was apprehensive about exhibiting his work in a village but i was surprised by the large number of people who came forward to discuss and appreciate my work he said