Indian, ASEAN artists come together for Shillong event

SHILLONG, April 2: As many as 34 artists, including 11 from ASEAN nations, have conglomerated for the third edition of the ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp, which began in the state capital on March 29.
The event has drawn the participation of notable figures, including Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Heads of Missions from ASEAN countries.
Deepti Naval, a renowned film personality, is also attending as a guest artist.
Organised by SEHER, the camp provides a platform for artists to exchange ideas and explore artistic themes inspired by the Ramayana, focusing on spiritual and humanitarian aspects beyond religious interpretations. Three mentors have been appointed to guide the participants in this creative endeavour.
The 11 ASEAN artists hail from Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia and the Philippines, while the remaining participants are Indian artists, including those from the Northeast.
Among them, Raphael Warjri from Riti Academy, Meghalaya, and Chandan Bez Barua, a faculty member at the Assam Government Art College, represent the region.
Each artist is presenting their own interpretation of the Ramayana, blending their cultural influences with the epic’s themes.
Bez Barua draws inspiration from the Karbi community’s retelling of the Ramayana, while Warjri explores the concept of royal motherhood through Pahsyntiew, drawing parallels between Khasi folklore and the Ramayana.
Artists from ASEAN countries, familiar with the Indian epic, have also infused their unique cultural perspectives into their works.
The ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp 2025 runs until April 7, culminating in an exhibition that showcases the creations of all participants.