Port Blair, Aug 11: An art exhibition titled 'Expression through Colours' commenced at the Art Gallery and Studio in Gandhi Park today. The exhibition, organized by Kala Kendra – a society under the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, featuring an array of paintings and sculptures, is a part of the Independence Day celebrations. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest in the presence of Secretary, Art & Culture, Shri Binay Bhushan, IAS, Director, Art & Culture, Dr. Jatinder Sohal and art enthusiasts.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary took a tour of the exhibition, evincing keen interest in the diverse paintings and sculptures created by professional artists from the Islands. The artists also had the opportunity to explain their artistic expressions and imaginations to the chief guest. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary praised the artists for their efforts and encouraged them to persist in their creative pursuits. He asked the Director Art & Culture to enhance the exhibition space and its ambience, suggesting the inclusion of focused lighting for photographs, brief descriptions of artworks, and air-conditioning to improve visitors’ experience. He further directed to organize painting workshops involving school students, with the aim of imparting the nuances of painting to them from a young age. To foster artistic growth, he recommended inviting renowned artists from the mainland for these workshops. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary also asked for organizing quarterly theme-based exhibitions to stimulate greater artistic output.
Visitors to the Art Gallery can behold an array of artwork created through different media as well as terracotta and wood carvings. The exhibition showcases creations by artists include Ram Prasad Bhattacharya, Aji, Dhruw Nath Singh, Ali Akbar, Basu Kumar, Krishnendu Chakraborty, Mahananada Gomasta (wood carving), Ms Shampa Ray, Ms. Y Mohitha, S. Mohan Rao, P. Senthil Kumar, Prasanjit Dhauria, Parmeswar Rao, SNS Prakash, Ms Pallavi, Suresh, RK. Biswas, Dipankar Banerjee and O. Neelkantam.
The Department of Art & Culture has been actively promoting local artists, both professionals and amateurs, through regular painting and photographic exhibitions. This weeklong exhibition will remain open for art enthusiasts from 4 to 7 p.m. until Aug. 18, providing an opportunity to appreciate the creativity of these talented artists.