With a view to fostering awareness about issues related to diverse ecosystems unique to numerous rich folk art that India has always been known for, we are making sure that many of the brilliant artists from different regions belonging to long-established time-honoured art forms get their due.”
Ms. Pragati Agarwal
Rejoice, art lovers, for a new art exhibit is in town. Following the hugely successful art shows promoting and helping to sustain folk arts of India, Art Tree is all set to organize yet another show, ‘SAMANVAY, Harmony in Nature’, at the Bikaner House from November 3rd till November 8th, 2023.
The six-day event is a testament to the richness of Indian folk and traditional art across various genres. The enriching experience paves the way for the audiences to get to know the artists, their local ecosystems, and their muses via pre-existing traditions. The renowned and internationally acclaimed visual folk artists present their never-seen-before creations in sync with the theme – ’Samanvay and Nature.’
Each of these artists promises to bring ubiquitous nuances through their paintings. The seven artists in question are:
- Manisha Jha – Madhubani
- Prakash Joshi – Phad
- Ram Soni – Sanjhi
- Japani Shyam (daughter of Jangarh Singh Shyam) – Gond
- Baalu Mashe, Sadashiv Mashe and Pravin Mashe (son and grandsons of Jivya Soma Mashe) – Warli
On this auspicious occasion, Ms Pragati Agarwal – Founder, and Managing Director of Art Tree, whose foresight, vision and imagination led to her dovetailing her passion for fine arts with her creative farsightedness and astute marketing acumen into establishing and shaping Art Tree, says, “Through their unique format, the art forms, ranging from Madhubani, Phad, Warli to Sanjhi and Gond, envision our focus on celebrating them, thereby starting important, inclusive conversations about the need for their conservation and sustainability. The artworks for Samanvay have been handpicked personally by me and my team to ensure their exceptionality and matchlessness. I am so overwhelmed and enormously grateful to both art connoisseurs and art lovers for helping us make a distinctive mark for ourselves in the overcrowded market of art. I am also indebted to them for their unconditional support in this day and age when everything western is what the youth gets attracted to.”
Although the exhibition will be open to the public a day before, it will be formally inaugurated on 4th November 2023 at 6 PM at the Bikaner House, New Delhi. This day marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jaunt through Indian excellence and will include a panel discussion at 5 PM.
Ms. Neerja Sarin, Advisor- Art Tree, feels equally passionate about Samanvay. She adds, “Besides the event showcasing such creative works, the show will also serve as a platform for experts to deep-dive into the wealth of our Indian aesthetic diversity across the five different art forms.”
The topic of discussion is: ‘Indian Folk Art & Artists vis-a-vis Global Traditional and Folk Art’. The panelists include familiar and meritorious names and will consist of –
- Ms Mugdha Sinha – Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture
- Ms Sushma Bahl – Independent arts advisor, writer and curator
- Ms Nuzhat Kazmi – Head of Art and Aesthetics, Jamia Millia (retd)
- Mr Anubhav Nath – Owner Ojas Art Gallery
The panelists, who represent diverse categories of art and culture, will deliberate and analyze the current narratives and vantage points of Indian art. Furthermore, they will exchange refined views and opinions on its artistic and commercial growth in the present scenario.
We reached out to the Arts advisor, writer, curator, and one of the panelists Sushma Bahl for a comment. In her recognisable infectious ardour, she says, “We tend to be unidimensional when we think about art and mostly look at contemporary and modern art as the be-all-and-end-all, whereas if we take a look around, the cityscapes around us are full of natural art displayed in all its splendour. The exceptional aspect of traditional art is that despite being age-old, all the art forms – be it Madhubani, Phad, Sanjhi, Gond or Warli – have a contemporary feel too, and hence, have survived for decades in our land. I am hopeful that as part of our rich heritage, it will live on forever. I am looking forward to this particular show, and aim to support the artists in whatever capacity I can in facilitating and helping them explore their local natural environment more.”
It seems like a new dawn of eco-criticism is on the horizon, and we cannot be more excited to witness it ourselves and engage in passionate conversations. We are sure you feel the same.
About Art Tree
Founded more than a decade ago, Art Tree supports and promotes Indian Traditional and Contemporary Art and artists. It also organises exhibitions, workshops, symposiums and talks to reach out to a larger art-loving audience. With sincere efforts, it aims to educate people about the vibrant heritage and incredible folk arts of India.
Photo Courtesy – Art Tree
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