FOLKUS focuses on folk and tribal art

Our Correspondent

Silchar, April 29: FOLKUS, a Silchar based art gallery, is devoted and dedicated towards bringing revolutionary changes in the world of art, culture, handicraft and folk art of this region. At a recently inaugurated exhibition titled ‘Prakriti’ – lines from the heart, held at Folkus Art Gallery at Dr Shyama Prasad road in Shillongpatty of this town, Dr Meghali Goswami, associate professor, Department of Art History, Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan in West Bengal, deliberated a illuminating and enlightening lecture cum presentation on ‘Folk and Tribal Art of India’. Prakriti was conceptualized by Binoy Paul, an art enthusiast and former student of the Department of Fine Arts, Assam University.

Dr Meghali Goswami, in her brilliant lecture, put emphasis on the need to save folk and tribal art of the country from getting lost in the pages of history. “Northeast is rich in tribal and folk art. A lot of treasure is there. It influences one after another. Art is the mirror of the society and thus it is mandatory and responsibility on our part to save it. Folk art is not a thing of the past. It is contemporary since it reflects its then times. Religion played an important role in shaping art and culture of the society. Government is patronizing to save these dying forms of art,” said Dr Goswami.

Dr Goswami further said that art is but an autobiography of a society which needs to be preserved and conserved. “There is an art gallery, Saffron Art Gallery, which auctions the works of folk artistes and craftsmen. Likewise, it is the duty of other art galleries to auction, sell and provide a platform for these products. People should take initiative to value, preserve and conserve folk art. In this regard, serious efforts should be made by government, people and NGOs. Media too has an important and significant role in providing the right platform for folk art.

Dr Goswami stressed on the need to preserve ‘Pat chitras’ ‘sora’ paintings and the tradition of ‘Nouka Puja’ which is unique in this part of the region. Earlier, the inaugural ceremony began with lighting of the auspicious lamp by Dr Meghali Goswami. Among others who spoke on the occasion included Dr Nirmal Kanti Roy, Dr Rajkumar Mazindar and Prasenjit Roy Choudhury.

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