Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: N N Vohra, Governor, today said that Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of producing internationally acclaimed artists who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of art.
The Governor was speaking after inaugurating the 48th State Art Exhibition and presenting awards at the Award Presentation Ceremony organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Kala Kendra here this evening.
The Governor, who is the Patron of the Cultural Academy, hoped that the Academy will do all that is possible to encourage the artists.
Referring to the Academy’s plans of organizing All India Painting and Sculptors Camps in Kashmir this summer, the Governor stressed that best possible artists should be attracted to participate in these Camps so that the budding artists from J&K could get the opportunity to learn from the eminent personalities.
Earlier, the Governor went around the exhibition and evinced keen interest in more than 100 art creations put up at the exhibition. Recording his impressions about the exhibition in the Visitors’ Book, the Governor observed, “I am very happy to have the opportunity of inaugurating the 48th State Art Exhibition and be able to see a large number of impressive canvasses and pieces of sculptures. I congratulate the Academy for putting together such an impressive exhibition and trust that it shall do all that is possible to encourage upcoming artists”.
In the Artist Category, the Governor gave away a cash prize of Rs. 51,000 and a certificate each to Richa Gupta for her work “Palm Leaf Manuscripts” and Tariq Ahmad Sheikh for his work “Funeral of Hearts” in Painting Section. In Student Category, he gave away a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and a certificate each to Heena Sayal for her work “Dreams” in Painting Section and Shabir Hassan for his work “Shongith Shahmar” in Sculpture Section. He also gave away a consolation prize of Rs. 1,000 and a certificate each to seven other artists.
Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, said that by organizing Art Camps and Exhibitions, the Cultural Academy provides a platform to the artists to demonstrate their creative talents. He assured that all out efforts will be made for the promotion of art in the State.
Khalid Bashir, Secretary, Cultural Academy, in his welcome address, gave details of the various activities of the Academy and dwelt on the Exhibition. He stated that for 2011-12 State Art Awards, about 150 works were received and out of these 118 exhibits were selected by the Adjudicating Committee comprising of two experts from outside the State for the competition. Of these, the award winning art pieces were selected. He also gave details of the various Art Camps organized in the recent past and those planned for the coming months.
Savita Bakshi, Additional Secretary of the Cultural Academy, presented vote of thanks.
The exhibition will remain open for public viewing between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily upto March 23, 2013.
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