International artists create unique representations of Meghalaya’s heritage

Meghalaya is well represented in the art works which includes paintings of landscapes, churches, foot bridges, flora, open fields and more.

The picturesque beauty of Meghalaya’s Cherrapunjee - nestled deep in nature’s lap - has inspired 12 international artists to create unique representations of the region’s heritage.

Titled ‘Abode of Clouds’, the exhibition draws its name from the English translation of Meghalaya, and is open for viewing till June 18 at the India International Centre (IIC).

On display are the works by participants of Artists’ Point international arts residency programme in Meghalaya in 2016, which aimed to introduce a dialogue between diverse cultures and their art forms.

The group art exhibition is “the reflection, the visual record capturing the essence and spirit of Meghalaya” on canvas. The northeastern state is a rich repository of biodiversity and natural splendour, spanning hills to waterfalls, all of which segue onto canvas from the imagination of the artists-in-residence.

A confluence of nature and culture, Meghalaya is truly embodied in the art works which includes paintings of landscapes, churches, foot bridges, flora, open fields, red cows, among other peculiarities of the state.

In the past two years, professional artists from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, France, Bangladesh and India have explored the diversity of Indian culture, exchanging creative ideas with locals and art enthusiasts.

Local school children from areas around the East Khasi hills took part in the workshops conducted by international artists, and won accolades too. The exhibition showcases works by Jana Bednarova and Juliana Mrvova (both from Slovakia), Juhidevi Bhanjdeo (India), Dominik Bouma, Eliska Failova, Barbora Chlastakova, Katerina Pekna, Jan Prazan and Michaela Vrbkova (all from Czech Republic), Zsofia Hajdu (Hungary), Moinuddin Moni (Bangladesh), and Gabriela Valls Schorr (Spain).

The residency, organised jointly by the Slovak Embassy and Meghalaya’s Art and Culture Department, was supported by Picasso Pupils, an international artists’ community.