Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Describing art-forms the voice of silence, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the works of artists depict society, people, culture, heritage, land, fauna, flora, nature and all aspects of a civilization. He said art pieces are significant sources of history and have been recognized memorabilia to learn about different periods and cultures.
Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, pluralistic ethos, unity in diversity, natural bounty, different eras, historical events and other issues relating to lifestyle of people and process of development have been artistically narrated by artists, painters, sculptors, poets and writers through their works which are presently taken as important source of information.
The Chief Minister said that the artists of the State have made their mark internationally and their works are recognized throughout the world. He said Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its art and literary treasures and added that the present day artists, poets and writers of the State are carrying forward this rich tradition with enthusiasm, zest and calibre.
Inaugurating a 3-day painting exhibition by abstract artist Babar Afzal at Amar Mahal here on the theme ‘The Grandeur of Pashmina Goat’, the Chief Minister said that the artist has beautifully depicted the importance of preservation of environment, ecology, greenery and other aspects relating to the rearing of the rarest Pashmina Goat in Ladakh region of the State.
Omar Abdullah said that the artist has highlighted issues and problems relating to this species, its economic and cultural importance and the necessity of maintaining environment to nurture Pashmina Goat.
Among others Legislator and Provincial President National Conference, Jammu, Devender Singh Rana, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, Shantmanu, various art lovers and visitors were present on the occasion.
The visitors showed keen interest in the paintings depicted by Afzal in the Contemporary Art Gallery of Amar Mehal. Babar Afzal said that in this effort he has put forward a question “is there a connection between the lives of plants, animals, climate and intricate art and handicraft forms of Himalayas and India”?
Babar is an author, instructor and mixed media artist who is constantly pushing the creative envelop and empowering others to do the same with their skill and art.
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