25.06.2025

Exhibitions of artists from Punjab at the International Roerich Memorial Trust

On 9 June 2025, an exhibition by the Art Association of Punjab (Kalakar Sangh Punjab) was inaugurated at the Exhibition Hall of the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar. It featured works by 12 contemporary artists. The exhibition was curated by artist Ankush Atthi, whose solo projects have gained a notable reputation within the Trust.

The Kalakar Sangh Punjab (Regd.) has been engaged in the promotion of art across the state and beyond for a considerable number of years. The fundamental philosophy of the association is based on the premise that a convivial and innovative team environment can foster personal and creative growth among its members. The association's role is to serve as a conduit, connecting artists working in a variety of styles and techniques, and representing different schools and approaches. This serves to maintain harmony and mutual understanding between them. Plein airs, workshops and joint exhibitions represent a key part of the association's overarching philosophy, based on the principles of mutual growth, support and harmonious development.

On this occasion, the exhibition at the Trust featured the works of 12 artists, the majority of whom employed a realistic style in various visual media, including watercolour, acrylic paints and ink. A substantial part of the exhibition was dedicated to works on themes devoted to flora and fauna created by Ankush Atthi, the curator of the exhibition, and by artists Navroop Kaur, Manpreet Sandhu, Arvinder Kaur, Kuljeet Heer and Babita. A presentation of landscapes and sketches of urban and village scenes in watercolour was delivered by artists Yogeshwar Hans, Ankush Atthi and Harish Verma. The artistic vision of religious and philosophical concepts of Hinduism was the focus of the works of Parul and Spardha. The exhibition featured a painting by Anjali, showcasing a contrasting geometric monotone background and a realistic coloured central figure. Rakesh Sekhri's photographic work, depicting the Ellora caves, was also shown at the exhibition.

The exhibition was officially opened by the following Chief Guests: Brigadier General Naveen Goyal (retired), accompanied by his wife; BDO Dr Karan Jeet; and Dr Jyoti Sharma, the Kullu Government Hospital Medical Officer. Suresh Kumar, the Indian Curator of Roerich Trust, Larisa Surgina, the Russian Curator, and Dmitry Surgin, the assistant to the Russian Curator, were in attendance as Guests of Honour. Exhibitions by Punjabi artists have consistently proven to be a popular attraction for visitors to the International Roerich Memorial Trust.

The exhibition was inaugurated by senior artist and respected Chief Guest Bijay Biswaal. Achintya Hazra and Sikander Singh, along with Assistant to the Russian Mr Dmitry Surgin (ICR Moscow employee), were present as Guests of Honour on the inauguration.

Following the group exhibition, Ankush Atthi's solo exhibition opened, showcasing over 125 works. At the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to view a series of works by the artist, focusing on sacred places in the Indian Himalayas, as well as landscapes and depictions of Himalayan fauna. The artist favours the multi-layered watercolour technique, which lends his work a particularly rich and bright colour palette.