Gangtok gets a taste of contemporary art

ANUPA RAIGANGTOK, 24 Nov: An art exhibition on Contemporary Paintings of India was inaugurated here at White Hall today by the Secretary, Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, Nalini G Pradhan.
The exhibition is being organized and sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi in collaboration with Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, Government of Sikkim and NIS Academy, Gangtok.
The chief guest, Secretary Cultural and Heritage Department, Nalini G Pradhan under whose initiative the event was organized, expressed her happiness on being a part of the event. She expressed that one needs to have an eye to understand and appreciate art, the interpretation depending upon the perception of the individual.  She also expressed hope of encouraging art in our society through seminars, talks and workshops and appealed to NGOs to help support the government in such activities. 
Darjeeling artist, Hemu Rai gave a brief introduction on contemporary art, its importance and significance. Sharing his knowledge on the various aspects of painting he communicated what he could gather from the displayed paintings to the audience. Informing that the paintings put up at the exhibition were of high value created by renowned artists from across the country, he expressed that it is a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of such great work and applauded the organizers for treating the locals with such exceptional canvasses.  
He shared that modern art is often looked down upon and their value misunderstood as they are not easy to interpret. He said that modern art may look simple but carries deeper meanings. He also gave brief information on some of the painters whose works are exhibited.
He however expressed his disappointment over the huge dependency on the government for such events. Unlike Sikkim, in Darjeeling the artists contribute and organize such exhibitions thrice a year, a spirit which Sikkim too needs to inculcate, he opined.  
He further expressed his sadness over the lack of encouragement for the painters here and requested the government to provide budding painters with subsidy or other provisions to improve their skills.  Encouraging amateur painters, he said that great works are the result of hard work and endurance and one should continue to pursue it.  
Biraj Mani Thulung of Namchi who has participated in various national and international level art exhibitions said that paintings teach humans to live a worthy and simple life. He expressed that it is an honour to have been invited to such an event where the work of great artists are being displayed. 
Informing that there is no dearth of worthy artists in our society he expressed that artists should be provided with monetary as well as moral support.
The exhibition which will continue till 30 Nov has a total of 29 paintings created by 14 great personalities of India. The exhibition is also the first of its kind in Sikkim where the work of world famous artists have been displayed. 
With paintings like, “Mother Teresa” and “Farmer’s Family” borne out of the hands of world famous artist, MF Husain, the exhibition is expected to attract a lot of art lovers. Other painters, whose works are displayed at the exhibition, are Krishen Khanna, Tyeb Mehta, Bhupen Khakhar, A Ramachandran, Arpita Singh, Jogen Chowdhury, Anjolie Ela Menon, Manjit Bawa, Arpana Caur, FN Souza, KG Subramaniam, Amrita Shergil and Jamini Roy.
Also present on the inaugural day of the exhibition were Deputy Director, Archives Division, ST Gyatso, president of NIS and official from the Department, Lata Rajalim. 
Roni Sharma from NIS also addressed the function while Gyanu Rai also from NIS and Jagdish Sharma delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks respectively.