Tangmarg: A five-day art and painting workshop jointly organised by Arts in Life Initiative Foundation (ALIF) and Callisto, at AlIF Art Residency in Chanpora Tangmarg of district Baramulla concluded with works of around ten artists exhibited on the last day.
Describing the event as an extraordinary effort by Arts in Life Initiative Foundation (ALIF) and Callisto, Prof Zahoor Ahmad Zargar, an eminent artist and former dean, faculty of fine arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi said that Kashmir has great potential for artists.
He acknowledged the fact that there are little or no opportunity for artists in Kashmir in the absence of galleries as well as art residencies. “While we are living through difficult times, the effort by the organisers is laudable and it is the need of the hour to hold together and create an ambience conducive for art,” he said adding that the artists had put up a beautiful exhibition even with no support or sponsorship.
He further said that art could easily ensure financial promises if there are good trainers and guides for the young students. “Students need to know how the art bazaar behaves, what are the paintings that are being sold and how to place and position ones work in the current circumstances,” Mr Zargar said.
Expressing his satisfaction and joy over the establishment of an art gallery I.e ALIF residency in Chanpora Tangmarg, he said that the initiative can be of good support and encouragement to young and budding artists. “This is probably first of its kind in Kashmir and such a magnificent art residence nestled in the apples orchard and beautiful ambience will surely attract not just the local artists but national as well as international artists who, he said, would love to spend time here and work.
Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, University of Kashmir, who was the advisor for the event while briefing about the therapeutic nature of art said that such events were necessary for boosting the art ambitions of students. “World has largely acknowledged the beauty of art and its essence when it comes to human mind and the behavioural positives that it ushers. It is particularly important when we are facing crisis like Covid which has impacted the peace of mind of everyone,” he said adding that he would support such events for his personal belief in art and the significance of all forms of art for human life.
Stating that the event was a fresh experience, Shabir Ahmad Wani, founder of MTM school, Chandilora said that he was happy to see such an initiate taking practical shape. “It is an extraordinary event with artists coming together and producing beautiful works of art here,” Wani said adding that such initiatives were too rare but desperately required.
Stating that students of all ages show interest in art but given the lack of opportunities often curtain their ambitions. “ These workshops and exhibitions will surely instill new hopes among the young students,” Wani said while applauding the venture.
Prof Zahoor Ahmad Zargar was the chief guest on the occasion along with Shabir Ahmad Wani.
Stating that this was first time after the Covid pandemic that an offline event was organised, President Callisto, Tasaduq Hussain said that it was a great opportunity for the artists to come together and work in an ambience perfect for art.
Basharat Bashir, AlIF member, while thanking the participants, guests as well as the chief guest said that ALIF was trying to create opportunities for young artists and the workshop was a joint effort by artists trying to be visible. “It is unfortunate that we live in a place which is a great motivation for artists but yet lacks basic facilities for artists. We have joined hands to create our own space and assert ourselves,” Basharat said adding that in the future more such workshops would be organised on regular basis besides art Residency programmes. He further said that artists in the absence of any support government, as well as private, get consumed into various fields of activity for survival which, he added, was unfortunate. “Let’s not stay disconnected and come together for a larger cause,” he advised the young artists as well as art lovers.
The artists who presented their works included Nadeem Mushtaq, Tasaduq Hussain, Zahoor Kashmiri, Altaf Ahmad Khan, Jamshed Iqbal, Basharat Bashir, Ghazala Fatima and Mudasir Gul.
The programme was one of its kind in Kashmir and was attended by students of art college Srinagar as well as some art lovers besides the dignitaries.
