Shillong artists shine at Santiniketan

Following the Thoh Shun Art Camp hosted by Riti Academy at NEHU campus here in December 2023, the Ramkinker Baij Memorial Art Camp welcomed 14 talented artists from the Riti Academy community to join their counterparts from Santiniketan.

Art historian, miniature artist and former director of the Jaipur City Palace Museum, Asok Das, addressed the gathering. One of the surviving students of Ramkinker Baij, a sculptor and painter, 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 North East.

During the event, the guests also released a publication by Raphael Warjri entitled 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 lineup 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 inaugural session was graced by an enchanting performance of Rabindra Sangeet by the esteemed vocalist Basabi Bagshi, who serenaded the audience with Tagore songs that were composed in Shillong. The event culminated in the screening of Apot, a 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 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 watercolours 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 phawar, a traditional Khasi folk poetry penned by Raphael Warjri, performed by all participating artists from Meghalaya.