Three Abir Artists Feature in Lalit Kala Akademi’s 62nd National Exhibition

Lalit Kala Akademi’s 62nd National Exhibition of Art is back with a repertoire of young and emerging showstoppers in the art world. True to its mission of being a  platform to spot and showcase young talent, the akademi has this time around put the spotlight on 20 young Indian artists who have contributed their artworks in categories such as painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramic, print, photography, and other media. 

The list of awardees includge Anand Narayan Dabli for his painting ‘Untitled 2,’ Bhola Kumar for his sculpture entitled ‘Antardwandh,’ and Devesh Upadhyay, again in the sculpture category for his work titled ‘The Caretakers.’ Digbijayee Khatua, an Abir artist, also finds himself displaying his painting, ‘Constructive Land,’ at the exhibition. Other two Abir artists who made it to the show include Jintu Mohan Kalita for his print, ‘Maa,’ that explores close familial bonds and Nema Ram Jangid for his sculpture ‘Balloon.’ Nema Ram’s sculptures are known for their larger than life manifestations and themes that are often related to nature as well as urban chaos. 

Many artists have explored existential themes through their works. Take for example, Jagan Mohan Penganti’s sculpture, ‘Essence of Existence’ or Laxmipriya Panigrahi’s painting, ‘It’s enough for me to be sure that you and I exist at this moment.’ In the same vein, S A Vimalanthan’s print titled ‘In the midst of chaos’ and Suneel Kumar Singh Kushwaha’s painting, ‘Introspection,’ nudge one to look within. Some, like Nisha Chadda, look back and her print is titled ‘Nostalgic Childhood.’ 

The Lalit Kala Akademi was inaugurated in New Delhi on August 5th, 1954, by the then Minister for Education, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The youngest of the three Akademies founded by the Government of India, the Lalit Kala Akademi was established in pursuance of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s dream to strengthen the nation’s cultural and national identity.