Jammu, Mar 6: Renowned scholar, former Union Minister, and art patron Dr Karan Singh inaugurated the much-anticipated “Jammu and Kashmir Art Exhibition” at Kala Kendra, Jammu, today. The event, which attracted a distinguished gathering of artists, art connoisseurs, and cultural enthusiasts, aims to celebrate and promote the rich artistic traditions of the Union Territory.
The ten-day exhibition, jointly organized by the Kala Kendra Society, Amar Mahal Museum and Library, and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), spans all five galleries of Kala Kendra, making it one of the most extensive displays of J&K’s artistic heritage in recent years. The exhibition is a significant part of the ongoing 3rd Tawi Art and Culture Festival, which seeks to foster appreciation for the region’s diverse cultural expressions through a series of artistic initiatives.
While inaugurating the exhibition, Dr. Karan Singh underscored the deep-rooted connection between Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic traditions and its broader cultural heritage. He applauded the efforts of local artists in showcasing J&K’s unique artistic identity on national and international platforms, further enriching India’s cultural landscape.
“I have always believed that art is the soul of civilization, and in a place as historically and culturally rich as Jammu and Kashmir, it serves as a bridge between the past and the present,” Dr Singh remarked. He commended the organizers for curating a remarkable exhibition that not only pays homage to established artists but also provides a platform for emerging talent.
Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Kala Kendra Society, elaborated on the exhibition’s broader objectives, emphasizing that it is designed to be more than just a visual showcase. Over the next ten days, art camps, interactive workshops, and expert-led discussions will be conducted to engage artists, students, and the general public. These activities, he noted, will help create deeper awareness and appreciation of J&K’s diverse artistic landscape.
Noted curator Padma Shri Rajinder Tickoo described the exhibition as a rare visual journey through over a century of J&K’s artistic evolution, featuring carefully selected works from some of the region’s most celebrated painters and sculptors. “Each piece on display tells a story, a reflection of the artist’s journey and the region’s rich socio-cultural fabric,” he said.
Dr Lalit Gupta, an eminent art historian and a key figure in organizing the event, urged art lovers to visit the exhibition, emphasizing that it offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of contemporary and traditional art forms in J&K. He stressed the importance of preserving and documenting local art, which, he noted, is often overshadowed by mainstream narratives.
Artist Suman Gupta highlighted the exhibition’s inspirational role for younger generations, encouraging budding artists to engage with contemporary artistic expressions while drawing from the rich visual traditions of the region. He noted that such platforms help bridge the gap between seasoned artists and aspiring talent, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and creative innovation.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished figures from the fields of art, literature, and performing arts. Among the notable attendees were Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, a celebrated theatre personality; Zaffar Choudhary, a noted journalist and cultural commentator; and renowned authors and writers such as Bhushan Koul and Bhishambar Mehta. Their presence further underscored the significance of the exhibition in Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural landscape.
As the exhibition opens its doors to the public, it is expected to draw art enthusiasts, scholars, students, and general visitors, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and evolving artistic traditions of J&K. The event is a testament to the enduring legacy of Jammu and Kashmir’s art and culture, reinforcing its importance in the broader national and global artistic discourse.