SHILLONG, Dec 31: The ‘Thoh Shun Art Camp 2023’, dedicated to the memory of the poet laureate of Meghalaya, Soso Tham, on his 83rd death anniversary, gave a vigorous push to creative expression through the help of art during the span of 10 days.
Held at the ICSSR premises, NEHU, the camp was participated by 12 artists from Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni and some artists from Riti Academy of Visual Arts. It was inaugurated by Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture department, Frederick Roy Kharkongor.
Glorious tributes were paid by the dignitaries and all artists and guests to the literary legend, Soso Tham to cherish his outstanding contribution to Khasi literature.
The plight of creative people was expressed by every speaker in the context of their respective analysis on the current scenario in society.
The Honorary Director of ICSSR, Prof B Panda, delved on the philosophical aspects of art in relation to society, while Dr Janak Jhankar Narzari narrated the practical situation in the region and stressed on the institutionalisation of art as a forum to further the interest of the fraternity, and to sustain the career prospects of every artist in society.
The main organiser of the Art Camp, Raphael Warjri, shared certain significant aspects of art in the local context and expressed the need for setting up of formal art education institute in the State to inspire and encourage local aspirants to take up fine arts as the viable career option.
Furthermore, the institution of the Prithpal Singh Sehdave Memorial Award was formally announced by Raphael Warjri with the consent of his family. Formalities are being facilitated to make the ceremony befitting of his stature in the world of art.
Meanwhile, the society of alumni of fine arts of Viswa Bharati University, the Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Riti Academy of Visual Arts, Shillong for an exchange programme on art for the first phase, which will be continued in future.
Almost all the artists shared their perception and appreciation of the film that displays the inherent cultural milieu and traditional customary practices of the Khasi community through folklore.
The next art camp will be hosted by Sanitiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni elsewhere in the country in collaboration with Riti Academy of Visual Arts.
A cultural tour was also conducted to Pahambir Heritage Village with the enthusiastic participation of artists and knowledge gathering on the folk culture of the people.
