SHILLONG, Feb 23: Fourteen talented artists from the Riti Academy of Shillong joined their peers in Santiniketan for an immersive art camp held as part of the cultural exchange program between Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni and Riti Academy of Visual Arts, Shillong.
The Ramkinker Baij Memorial Art Camp took place at Prakriti Bhavan, Santiniketan, from February 16 to February 21.
Following the successful ‘Thoh Shun Art Camp’ hosted by Riti Academy at NEHU campus in Shillong, the Ramkinker Baij Memorial Art Camp welcomed Shillong’s artists for the camp in Santiniketan town of West Bengal.
The event saw in attendance Dr Asok Das, a highly regarded art historian, distinguished miniature artist, and former director of the Jaipur City Palace Museum. Das, along with Kiran Thaker, a renowned sculptor and one of the surviving students of Ramkinker Baij, addressed the gathering.
In his keynote speech, Das reflected on the evolution of art over the decades and expressed admiration for the current art camp, which offered a unique opportunity for creative exchange between seasoned artists from Santiniketan and emerging talents from the Northeast.
He underscored the importance of advocating for the arts among authorities, particularly in light of the diverse career paths emerging in today’s professional landscape.
During the event, distinguished guests also released a significant publication by Raphael Warjri titled Kot, a book that chronicles the rich tapestry of Khasi myths and legends.
The participating artists represented a diverse array of talent, with a strong focus on promising young artists from the region, predominantly from Meghalaya, as well as two artists from Assam.
The artist line-up comprised Manoj Roy and Paran Banti Devi from Assam, alongside Raphael Warjri, Imogen Wahlang, Pringsrang W Sangma, Rickyshi Suiam, Baniarjingmut Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Jerlyn W Kharphuli, and five students from Kala Bhavan in Meghalaya — Wanhi-I Challam, Rekilbert Lyngdoh Mairang, Fredrick Edgar Warjri, Ioanna Nongbri, and Ibaiamonlang Brigettte Marngar.
Artists from Santiniketan included Amit Kumar Dhara, Jaya Boro, Ketaki Roy Choudhury, Manoj Kumar Prajapati, Tamina Bhattacharya, Archana Das, Mati Lal Kalai, Prabir Biswas, Riya Guha Roy, Bisewajit Das, Koeli Mukherji Ghosh, Krishna Kali David, Srabani Bhattacharya, Anand Ghose, Saday Alo Choudhury, Asit Bose, Nandadular Mukherjee, Sisir Sahana, Sunanda Sanyal, and Rita Ghose.
The camp marked a momentous initiative as Riti Academy and Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni collaborated to host their very first art camp in Santiniketan.
The inaugural session was graced by an enchanting performance of Rabindra Sangeet by esteemed vocalist Basabi Bagshi, who serenaded the audience with Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s songs that were composed in Shillong.
The event culminated in the screening of Apot, a poignant film directed by Raphael Warjri. Each day of the art camp was filled with painting and sculpture workshops, alongside cultural programs that highlighted the artistic offerings of various participants. Engagements included lively presentations and enthusiastic interactions among the artists from Meghalaya, primarily students, and the experienced faculty from Santiniketan’s Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharati University. This collaboration fostered a rich environment for sharing knowledge and skills
The camp further culminated in a compelling lecture on the legacy of Ramkinker Baij, delivered by Dr Janak Jhankar Narzari, the president of Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni. Narzari’s comprehensive lecture, lasting over an hour, illuminated the historical and artistic connections between Shillong and Ramkinker Baij, the first artist to visit the city in 1949, who produced several watercolors capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Shillong. His reflections on Baij’s life and artistic journey offered profound insights into the life of a pioneering artist.
Adding to the cultural richness of the event, participants enjoyed several performances by artists from Santiniketan, which included a heartfelt recitation of ‘phawer’, a traditional Khasi folk poetry penned by Raphael Warjri, performed by all participating artists from Meghalaya. This art camp not only celebrated the legacy of Ramkinker Baij but also fostered lasting connections and inspirations among artists from diverse backgrounds.
