(A part of Manipur’s first book of art/ Art Fest 2018)
By Thangjam Sanjoo Singh
The first extensive survey of contemporary art of Manipur was exhibited outside the state, at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, TISS Mumbai on the 22nd of September, 2018. It was the 2nd exhibition by the Art house under the project and the 1st exhibition was held on 9th September last in Imphal, Manipur. The 3rd exhibition under the same series will be held in Florida, USA at the earliest.
This 2nd exhibition was opened to the public and attended by art lovers, curators and art collectors from various parts of Mumbai along with the youths of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, TISS, Mumbai.
The theme of the exhibition was related to Manipur, environmentally focused, community based or critical issues related to the public. Artworks of 30 professional artists of the State of Manipur were displayed during the exhibition.
The main objective of the exhibition is to promote Manipuri Artists at National and International levels.
Moving outside the conventional method of displaying artworks only in galleries. The exhibition was held in the lawns of TISS. The art house also focusses on linking art with nature and uses natural and ecofriendly products as a part of the art installation.
Rupa Chinnai, author and journalist says, “Beautiful artworks, powerful art that speaks of Manipur’s pain and sorrow, it is deeply moving. Please come again to Mumbai”.
Students- It was truly inspiring and good to see artworks explaining real life struggles in the state of Manipur.
“We are very moved by the amount of support that came in from the people of Mumbai. There are so many issues about Manipur that they were not aware of, which was depicted through the artworks. It was definitely an art movement rather than a mere art exhibition since each picture carried the voice of different social issues of the State,” said the Co- Founders of R & V Art house- Robin Wahengbam and Dr Vijita Ningombam.
Dr Vijita Ningombam co-founder R &V Art House added, “It’s a indeed a moment of celebration for Manipuri artists, because the amount of opportunities we are receiving at the moment have definitely opened the doors for us to enter the global scene of Art. We are looking forward to collaborating with art lover from across the globe who have approached us for collaborating future projects.”
“These artworks will be a part of Manipur’s first book of art. A book which will contain a compilation of artist from the pass to the contemporary artist along with the history of Art in the State. There’s a big gap in the history of Art of the state which has never been filled before. We are trying our best to fill that gap with the help of historians and archaeologist from the Manipur,” said Robin Wahengbam co-founder R & V Art house
The writer is a lay Buddhist and a Vocalist of a Rock Band called ‘ No Name.
