Dogra Art features at KVM Trust’s Artistgram Art Show at India Habitat Centre
The Kail, an iconic Dogra musical instrument, also known as the Dogra trumpet made its debut with the likes of international artists like Suman Gupta, Amit Srivastav, Rashmi Jamwal, Vijender Sharma among others at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The Virtual Art Gallery at the India Habitat Centre hosted the Kail for the first time during the Curtain Raiser event of Artistgram Art Show, held under the aegis of Prem Jamwal Art Exhibition, a Kunwar Viyogi Trust initiative.
Artistgram, inaugurated by Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) sculptor Adwaita Gadanayak and curated by founder and curator of Uchaan Jyoti Kalara is as a part of a six-day Kunwar Viyogi Utsav 2021. All the artworks displayed at the India Habitat Centre were complimented with English sonnet penned by ‘Father of Dogri Sonnets’ Kunwar Viyogi.
Designed by accomplished artist from Jammu, Jaswinder Singh showcased the pride of Dogra musical art at the art show that also saw in attendance the who whose of the art world. Jaswinder Singh was a special invitee of the Trust. Apart from displaying the Kail, the very talented artist also showcased his yet another famous sculpture Unity and Struggle depicted through ants.
Artwork of international artist Suman Gupta also featured at the event. Suman’s Tale of a town depicts King Jambulochan’s vision when he saw the tiger and a goat drinking the water from the same pond and decided to build the small town called Jammu. The work depicts a common man sitting under the shade of an old and fully grown banyan tree on a small hill near a pond unconcerned with the event occurring near the pond. In fact all the three character composed in the artwork are not concerned at what the other is doing thus depicting great sense of harmony, compatibility and a desire for coexistence.
Renowned Art Critic Qazi M Raghib, who was also present at the show particularly complemented Rashmi Jamwal’s style in her latest work. Rashmi’s paintings depicted the rural Jammu, its simplicity and its many joys. Raghib said that Rashmi’s work stood out for its beautiful portrayal of the Duggar land.
Artistgram – 2021 began as an online event and then went Live in New Delhi at the India Habitat Centre. Nisha JamVwal, a well-known Columnist, Interiors Architect, Brand Consultant, Equal Rights Activist, Social Worker, Television Anchor and Compere was the keynote speaker at the event who in her inaugural address spoke extensively about the rich culture of Jammu. She touched upon the aspects that made Jammu and the Dogra culture so special. From the ‘Khand Mitthe Dogre’ to the Dogra art, fashion, temples, cuisine and iconic Dogra architecture, Nisha encouraged people to experience Jammu the land of the Devis.
Following her address, glowing tributes were paid to the iconic national artist, art critique and art curator – Alka Raghuvanshi, who recently passed away due to COVID. Manisha Gawade reminisced her time with her sister Alka and said that the formidable artist lives on in the inspiration of many budding artists. Alka Raguvanshi was the guest of honour at the 2020 Alpviram Art show that was held by the Trust. She inaugurated the first ever online art show held during the pandemic under the aegis of Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust.
World famous Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi also featured at the curtain raiser event. Nisha during her candid chat with the singer asked him about his plans to promote the Dogra culture. Jassi, who has his roots in Jammu said that he wants to capture the traditional folk sound of Jammu – Baakh and bring it to the mainstream. Jassi said that soon he will be visiting Jammu to start the said project. Jassi, who has also sung, composed and featured in Sahitya Akademi Awardee Dogri writer Kunwar Viyogi’s song Ucchi Udaan, shot extensively in Jammu said that Viyogi’s writings inspired him to sing his first Dogri song. He said that the lyrics of Ucchi Udaan are deep and through provoking that have the potential of hitting the chartbusters.
Sahil Salathia, famous Bollywood actor from Jammu, who has featured in Ashutosh Gowariker’s films – Panipat and Everest also shared his journey from being a Jammu-boy to today’s heartthrob. Winner of Best Fresh Face by the Lion Gold Awards, Sahil confessed that he rushes to his hometown Gura Salathia each time he is homesick, which he said was very often. “I can’t get enough of Jammu. Its beautiful, people are so warm and the landscape is world class”, Sahil said. He termed Jammu as the best tourist destination of India and expressed hope that people will experience the purity of the city more often. During his conversation with Nisha, Sahil also recalled his childhood days that he spent with his friends at Panjthirthi, the Amar Mahal and the buzzing lanes of Jain Bazaar. He said, ” I am in Mumbai but my heart belongs to Jammu. Jammu is in me, in my blood.”
Nisha also spoke to international Kathak dancer, daughter of the soil, married in Australia Sanchita Abrol. She asked Sanchita about her plans to take Dogri to the world and what efforts should be made to bring it at par with other national and international languages. Sanchita, who has adapted Kunwar Viyogi’s Dogri poetry into dance drama titled – ‘Prem Ek Gaagar’ and late Padma Shri Padma Sachdev’s ‘Uttar Behni’ also in a dance drama said that she consciously makes an effort to pick pieces that has an element of Dogri in them. Apart from other languages, Sanchita says she makes sure that during her shows abroad she includes one Dogri-based performance so that the international audience gets to experience this melodious, vibrant language.
At the India Habitat Centre artworks about 80 artists were on display. The exhibition which will run for a week will also see Shivani Wazir Pasrich, founder of Commonwealth Cultural Forum, Chairperson of Commonwealth Society of India and CEO & Managing Director of SWP Productions as the guest of honour of day two. Artistgram 2021 will conclude on Oct 4, 2021.
