MELBOURNE, July 24: A first-of-its-kind exhibition showcasing 19 new and original artworks of famous artists from India and Australia has been launched here to revitalise cultural linkages between the two countries.
The exhibition has culminated following two ‘Artists’ Retreats’ that took place in Australia in 2011 and India last year.
Organised by Australia India Institute (AII), the two retreats were attended by several high-profile artists of Australian, Indian, British, Iranian and Laotian backgrounds who converged to collaborate and create artworks.
Artists whose work has been displayed at the exhibition include Jon Cattapan, Fiona Hall, Charles Green, Lyndell Brown, Kate Daw, Hossein Valamanesh, Gigi Scaria, Mithu Sen, Murali Cheeroth, Amitava Das, Veer Munshi, Manisha Parekh, and Gulammohammed Sheikh.
Present on the occasion, Australian artist Jon Cattapan said that such initiatives were important to understand cross cultural issues and boost understanding between the nations.
“Artists are very interesting natural diplomats through the work they make,” he said.
He also lauded the role of AII in bringing the art and cultural on the radar of India-Australia relationship.
A book titled ‘The Unfortunate Celebrity’ written by former Indian consul of Melbourne Subhakanta Behera was also released on the occasion.
AII inaugural director Amitabh Mattoo and chair Robert Johanson remembered the former diplomat while releasing Behara’s last literary work prior to his sudden death two years ago.
The book is based on the life and times of one of the earliest freedom fighters of India. (PTI)
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