“The current spiritual crisis has globally been recognized. There is an air of dissatisfaction and unrest. I believe only artists can truly spread the message of love and universal brotherhood, as it has been universally accepted that the libido derived out of looking at an object of art is no less than spiritual experience. I am sure this kind of an effort will go a long way in bringing about an atmosphere of love and tranquility which is so badly needed in present day society.” Gayoor Hassan
The first of its kind, an initiative by Gayoor Art Foundation (GAF) to conduct a month-long online photography exhibition inviting global participation is gaining momentum and also appreciation among art lovers, photographers and masses alike.
The initiative, as described by the founder of Gayoor Art Foundation, Naushad Gayoor- one of the prolific and popular contemporary artists from Kashmir and a faculty member at Institute of Music and fine Arts, Kashmir university, is one that commemorates and celebrates ‘World Photography Day’ and the essence as well as relevance of this fine art particularly in times of despair and disconnect.
“It is to celebrate the world photography day with the belief that this art form is extremely vital to engage creativity in a dynamic world full of challenges and distress- particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the organizers, the event has been categorized into three different sections that include those who are invited, professional and amateur from across the various countries.
Keeping in view the current Covid pandemic, the organisers decided to shift the exhibition to its online platform in order to ensure that the event doesn’t pose any health threats to participants while ensuring that the zeal to hold the event is also not compromised.
Talking to Kashmir Images, the organisers said that while the initiative has received tremendous response from across the globe, nearly 200 photographers are participating in the exhibition. Apart from various parts of India, the participants include photographers from Turkey, Nepal, Dubai, Egypt and other countries.
“The participants, apart from appreciation as well as recognition, shall be awarded a certificate from the organization at the end of the exhibition,” the organizers said.
Pertinent to mention that the organization in 2017 had organized an exhibition in downtown, which had received appreciation from local artists, media fraternity as well as the students of fine arts and photography.
GAYOOR “artfoundation” (GAF) is a non – profit organization working for the upliftment of Art & Culture in and outside Jammu and Kashmir since last one decade. The founder of GAYOOR “artfoundation” Naushad Gayoor also said in a statement that the GAYOOR “artfoundation” has successfully engaged veteran artists with upcoming artists and has contributed a lot towards the promotion of art and artists through some unique projects that include, art exhibitions, art competitions, seminars, debates, community art projects, performances and many more. Adding that The methods of promotion of art and engaging with the masses have uniquely contributed towards the evolution of the aesthetic sense of the society in general and students in particular.
According to the organizers the main motive of such exhibitions is to provide a platform for artists mainly budding artists from Valley to showcase their work alongside with renowned artists of the world. In a statement Naushad also said that, as we don’t have any platform what we call an ‘ART GALLERY’ where the artists can display their work so that public in general and art lovers in particular, can witness the talent of our local artists. Despite many reminders to govt. authorities regarding the same, nothing was heard or done in this matter. So keeping this in view, we as GAYOOR “artfoundation” has started an online art gallery for the purpose. This is the age of digitalization and this form of display platform has more reaches than the live art shows.
“We hope this little effort of ours will work as a bridge between our local talent and the outside photographers, and will share their aesthetic experience to enhance their skill”said the organizers of the event.
The show is in collaboration with SOCH STUDIO, Bangalore & curated by a Bangalore based artist Mr. Jeetin Rangher & Naushad Gayoor. The Guest of Honour for this event is Mr. Rajendar Tiku, Visual Artist/ Academician (Padmashree) and the chief guest was Mr. Mir Sarwar Bollywood actor from the valley.
The exhibition is available at www.gayoorartfoundation.com & the exhibits will be on display till 19th of September.
