International artists capture Meghalaya's heritage on canvas
New Delhi, June 10: The picturesque beauty of Meghalaya's Cherrapunjee -- nestled deep in nature's lap -- has inspired 12 international artists to create unique representations of the region's and heritage.
Titled "Abode of Clouds", the exhibition draws its name from the English translation of Meghalaya, and is open for viewing till June 18 at the India International Centre (IIC).
On display are the works by participants of Artists' Point international arts residency programme in Meghalaya in 2016, which aimed to introduce a dialogue between diverse cultures and their art forms.
The group art exhibition is "the reflection, the visual record capturing the essence and spirit of Meghalaya" on canvas.
The northeastern state is a rich repository of biodiversity and natural splendour, spanning hills to waterfalls, all of which segue onto canvas from the imagination of the artists-in-residence.
A confluence of nature and culture, Meghalaya is truly embodied in the art works which includes paintings of landscapes, churches, foot bridges, flora, open fields, red cows, among other peculiarities of the state.
In the past two years, professional artists from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, France, Bangladesh and India have explored the diversity of Indian culture, exchanging creative ideas with locals and art enthusiasts.
Local school children from areas around the East Khasi hills took part in the workshops conducted by international artists, and won accolades too.
The exhibition showcases works by Jana Bednarova and Juliana Mrvova (both from Slovakia), Juhidevi Bhanjdeo (India), Dominik Bouma, Eliska Failova, Barbora Chlastakova, Katerina Pekna, Jan Prazan and Michaela Vrbkova (all from Czech Republic), Zsofia Hajdu (Hungary), Moinuddin Moni (Bangladesh), and Gabriela Valls Schorr (Spain).
The residency, organised jointly by the Slovak Embassy and Meghalaya's Art and Culture Department, was supported by Picasso Pupils, an international artists' community.
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Adityanath govt has completely failed to maintain Taj Mahal, alleges Akhilesh
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday raised questions over maintenance of the Taj Mahal in Agra and attacked the Yogi Adityanath government saying it should be a "living and active" example, not just a "monument".
Yadav, who shared a viral video in which a plant could be seen sprouting from the dome of the Taj Mahal, said the monument might develop cracks due to the roots.
In a post on X, he said, "The BJP government and its dormant departments have completely failed to maintain the Taj Mahal, the wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world."
Yadav went on to say, "There is a possibility of rusting of the metal of the urn on the main dome. Water is dripping from the main dome. There is news of plants growing in the dome. If the roots of trees like these grow, then the Taj Mahal may crack."
He also highlighted problems of monkey menace and water logging in the Taj Mahal complex.
"The Taj Mahal complex has become a sanctuary for monkeys. There is a problem of waterlogging in the Taj Mahal complex. The tourists are worried whether they should admire the Taj Mahal or deal with the problems," Yadav said, adding due to all these reasons, the country's image is tarnished at the global level.
Last week, the main dome of the Taj witnessed water seepage due to incessant rains but officials said there was no damage to the arched roof.
Yadav asked where crores of rupees of funds that come for the maintenance of Taj Mahal are going.
"The government should be a living and active example, not just a monument," he added.
