International art exhibition

SHILLONG, JUN 12:The International Art Exhibition “Abode of Clouds” which is a pioneer step of Indo-European Cross-cultural collaboration embedded in Meghalaya was inaugurated at India International Centre in New Delhi recently. The exhibition will continue till June 18.

The exhibition is being organized in collaboration with the Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya House, New Delhi, India International Centre, New Delhi, Picasso Pupils (An Art Society), Department of Arts & Culture, Government of Meghalaya and Embassy of the Slovak Republic in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. P. Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister and Resident Commissioner of Meghalaya House, New Delhi introduced Meghalaya as the only Indian state where the girl child has preference over the boys. He mentioned that the cleanest village of Asia – Mawlynnong and the rainiest place – Cherrapunjee makes the Abode of Clouds famous and spectacle for any visitor. Mr. P. Sampath Kumar also revealed the plan for expanding the collaboration with Picasso Pupils (An Art Society) towards creative development of ecological sustainable tourism in rural areas of Meghalaya.

Ms. Omita Goyal, Chief Editor of India International Centre introduced the organizers and explained the meaning of the name Abode of Clouds which is the translation of word Meghalaya in Sanskrit. She depicted the beauty of Meghalaya, the state of Northeast India, indeed in the country and still unexplored.

Ambassador-designate of Slovak Republic, Ivan Lancaric in his speech gave his thoughtful words of appreciation towards the organizers of the Exhibition for the valuable step to collaborate across the borders and he expressed his support for upcoming activities of the Slovak-Indian togetherness.

The visual artist and curator of the exhibition Ms. Jana Bednarova (Slovakia), coordinator of Picasso Pupils (An Art Society) has introduced exhibition as the result of the art works created during the one month stay of international artists in Meghalaya via the programme “Artists’ Point” international art residency. She shared the concept of Artists’ Point, an international platform through which a society can be benefited by the cross-cultural exchange.

The exhibition showcased the art works created during the one month international art residency called “Artists’ Point” which took place in 2016 and 2017 in Meghalaya. Exhibited art works are  the visual record capturing the essence and spirit of Meghalaya’s beautiful nature and cultural diversity in the eyes of following artists: Jana Bednárová (SK), Juhikadevi Bhanjdeo (IN), Dominik Bouma (CZ), Eliška Fialová (CZ), Zsofia Hajdu (HU), Barbora Chlastáková (CZ), Moinuddin Moni (BD), Juliana Mrvová (SK), Kateřina Pěkná (CZ), Jan Pražan (CZ), Gabriela Valls Schorr (ES), Michaela Vrbková (CZ).

The Photo Documentation and Video document of the interaction of the artists with School Children from the rural areas of East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya were also displayed in the exhibition.

The Programme was followed by the musical performance of Alakesh Dutta, songwriter and vocalist and coordinator of Picasso Pupils (An Art society). The song of Slovak-Assamese lyrics added another flavour towards the Exhibition with the Indo-European cross culture background. The traditional Rabha and Assamese folk song was played on Khasi duitara – the folk instrument from Meghalaya also represented the harmony of diverse cultures of Seven Sisters’ states, NE India, which fulfilled the motto of Picasso Pupils (An Art Society) – the art as a language between diverse cultures.

The programme was graced by the presence of Vetsop Namgyel, the Ambassador of Bhutan, Mr. Roman Masarik, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Dr. Zoltan Wilhelm, Director and Cultural Counsellor of Embassy of Hungary, Mr. Frederick Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, Senior members of IIC Delhi and Indian Artists and art enthusiasts.

The Art Exhibition was highly appreciated by the presence of many visitors who showed their curiosity and enthusiasm towards Meghalaya and the unique stories behind each painting created by the exhibiting artists.

By Our Reporter