KAAF set to provide the required environment and tools for artists in the scenic foothills of Harwan
Srinagar: Renowned artist Nasreen Mohsin and her husband, distinguished poet, writer, and filmmaker Faiyaz Dilbar, are set to launch Kashmir’s first-ever printmaking studio in Srinagar.
Initially, the studio will provide artists access to professional facilities, equipment, and resources to create exceptional artworks through painting and etching. Over the time, its scope will expand to accommodate other art forms as well.
The printmaking studio—part of the Kashmir Art and Artists Foundation (KAAF), an organization devoted to promoting fine arts and related creative disciplines in the valley—is nestled in the scenic foothills of Harwan, in the outskirts of Srinagar.
It is set to open on September 2 for artists, with India’s five celebrated printmakers—Padma Reddy, Jayesh Shukla, Rajeswara Rao, Jayanti Rabadia, and Surashree Rabadia—attending as special guests.
During the five-day opening workshop, these experienced artists will share insights into various art forms.
Reflecting on the journey behind this pioneering effort, Nasreen Mohsin explained how the concept evolved from a personal dream to a reality.
“The idea of creating an art residency at our home in Harwan was initially mine. But as the saying goes, a husband and wife are like two wheels of a vehicle – together, Faiyaz and I brought this dream to life. Since we have only one child, we decided to dedicate our two-story outhouse for this purpose,” Mohsin told Kashmir Images in an interview.
Initially, the couple approached government authorities for support, but when assistance failed to materialise, they decided to fund the project themselves. “We could not get any funds or assistance from the government, despite reaching out to the relevant authorities, as the response was not encouraging. Then, we decided to establish it on our own,” she added.
Looking ahead, the couple founders envision the studio as more than just a creative space; they aim for it to evolve into a vibrant cultural hub.
“We also have exciting plans for the future. Our vision is to transform this space into a vibrant cultural hub, providing artists with the facilities and resources they need to create exceptional work. Given my husband’s acclaim as a poet, writer, and filmmaker, we are particularly committed to fostering a supportive environment for writers, where they can conduct workshops on screenplay writing and host mushairas,” Mohsin said.
The artist couple believes that this art residency will serve as a cultural centre that nurtures art, writing, and other creative endeavours, and that this studio has the potential to nurture young talent and attract artists from beyond the valley. “It will be a haven for young, talented, and aspiring artists and writers, offering them the space and support to flourish,” Dilbar tells Kashmir Images.
“Due to the lack of such a studio here, our budding artists have to travel to places like Chandigarh, Delhi, Baroda, and West Bengal for printmaking. Now they have this facility here in Srinagar. Artists from outside would come also here and interact with our artists. This will truly be a cultural hub. We do not have any shortage of talent here; what we lack is a nurturing environment. KAAF is expected to fulfil this requirement,” he added.
Looking back on her journey and the motivations that shaped this initiative, Mohsin said, “As a trained artist and qualified printmaker, I have always aspired to create a supportive environment for nurturing the arts here. In 1989, after returning from prestigious M. S. University of Baroda (now Vadodara) with a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, I was met with an encouraging response to my artwork. Shortly thereafter, I organized a solo exhibition at a well-known hotel, showcasing 45 of my pieces. I was delighted by the enthusiastic reception, selling 34 of the 45 works. It was then that I realized Srinagar harbored genuine art lovers, and over time, I also came to recognize the abundance of local talent waiting to be nurtured.”
Clearly, by establishing Kashmir’s first-ever printmaking studio, Mohsin and Dilbar are not just opening a space—they are cultivating a legacy.
