Jammu, March 06: Former Union Minister Karan Singh Thursday inaugurated the Jammu and Kashmir Art Exhibition at Kala Kendra, Jammu, in the presence of renowned artists, painters, and art enthusiasts.
The ten-day exhibition, celebrating the region’s rich artistic heritage, has been jointly organised by the Kala Kendra Society, Amar Mahal Museum and Library, and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) across all five galleries of Kala Kendra.
In his inaugural address, Singh highlighted the deep cultural roots of J&K’s artistic legacy, praising the contributions of local artists in showcasing the region’s ethos at national and international levels. He expressed his admiration for music, visual arts, and performing arts, commending the organisers for their efforts in curating this remarkable event. Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala Kendra Society, outlined the objectives of the exhibition, announcing that a series of events, including art and painting camps and workshops on various art forms, will take place over the ten-day period. Jotishna Singh noted that the exhibition coincides with the 3rd Tawi Art and Culture Festival, a celebration of J&K’s cultural and linguistic diversity. She emphasised that the festival aims to promote the region’s heritage through various artistic initiatives in Jammu, with this exhibition serving as a key highlight.
Lalit Gupta, an eminent art historian overseeing the event, stated that the exhibition features rare and exceptional works from J&K’s finest painters, encouraging art lovers to explore and appreciate the diverse artistic expressions on display. Padma Shri recipient Rajinder Tickoo, the exhibition’s curator, underscored its significance in showcasing J&K’s artistic evolution spanning over a century. He noted that the exhibition presents carefully selected works representing the region’s diverse artistic journey. Suman Gupta, a leading artist and the exhibition’s designer, reflected on the artistic growth of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the exhibition serves as a guiding force for younger generations in understanding contemporary art. The event was graced by prominent personalities, including Padma Shri awardee and theatre personality Balwant Thakur, author and journalist Zaffar Choudhary, and renowned artists and writers.
