Singapore-based Tista Art Gallery and Strokearts and India’s Jaipur Art Summit collaborated to present the Origin of Art exhibition at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut from July 17 to 23.
More than 30 artists from Singapore, India, Japan and Nepal took part in the seven-day event, which celebrated the rich diversity of artistic expression and traditional art forms.
“It was aimed at preserving our cultural heritage, supporting the artistic community and educating and inspiring future generations,” said Ms Shivali Mathur, one of the founders of Origin of Art along with Sonal Mathur and Megha Mathur. “We also contributed to charitable causes through art.”
The exhibition showcased the works of noted Indian artists Tilak Gitai, Mahaveer Swami, Kalyan Joshi and Mohammad Rafi Uddin Khaleel.
The local content included the creations of UOB award winner and social commentator Abu Jalal Sarimon and acclaimed rangoli (Indian courtyard painting and floor art) artist Vijaya Mohan, while eminent Mithila art exponent S.C. Suman flew in from Nepal to give a talk.
Other interactive talks were helmed by Abu Jalal (Art Process and Completion), Vijaya Mohan (Therapeutic Aspect of Art) and Tokyo-born artist Kumiko Matsushima (Kintsugi Philosophy in Art).
Experts also conducted workshops on Kerala murals, Lippan handicraft (a traditional fine art of Rajasthan and Gujarat’s desert regions) and one-stroke art (a decorative painting technique that involves shading, highlighting and blending in a single stroke movement).
“We had around 1,200 visitors and several charity stalls that supported various causes,” said Ms Sonal. “Our Young Artist Appreciation Programme was a success as it served to nurture creativity and a love for traditional arts in children.”
Over the past seven years, Tista Art Gallery has organised more than 10 exhibitions in Singapore, showcasing both renowned and new artists.
Strokeart has been an integral part of those exhibitions by providing artists, and as an art educator. For the last 24 years, the art school has been instrumental in fostering appreciation and awareness of traditional art forms through art classes, workshops and talks.
“Looking ahead, Tista Art Gallery plans to continue curating and creating more exhibitions to support the artistic community,” said Ms Megha. “We will be hosting regular art workshops, informative talks and art jamming sessions to keep the creative momentum going.
“Strokeart will focus on educating young artists by exploring different art forms, and aims to develop more collaborative exhibitions to further enrich the art scene.”
