9-13.06.2022

 “Splendid Expression” by “WE” and “AAKAR” Art Groups in the IRMT

From June 9 to 13 in the Exhibition halls of the International Roerich Memorial Trust there was painting exhibition of two art groups: “WE”, a group of Indian contemporary Women Artists from Chandigarh, headed by Prof. Sadhna Sangar, and “AAKAR” Art Group from Rajasthan, presented by Men Artists, headed by the President Mr Laxmanpal Singh Rathore.

The Chief Guest of the event was Dr Sonia Thakur, the Founder Director of the Heritage Satvika Group, Director of the Institute for Development Studies, member of HP State Council for child welfare. On behalf of the IRMT staff the Indian Curator Mr Suresh Kumar and Russian Curator Mrs Larisa Surgina who works in the Trust on deputation from the International Centre of the Roerichs (Moscow), greeted the participants and guests of the exhibition.

After ceremonial lamp kindling and greeting speeches the artists made an excursion through the exhibition talking about their paintings and answering the questions of the guests. In truth in front of the eyes of the viewers there appeared a kaleidoscope of colours, subjects, styles. Tranquil, calm landscapes – and a bright colouring of abstract forms; soft, expressive women images – and transparent tints of mountain peaks and waterfalls, as if all the creative energies of the world merged together in the pictorial images, grasped by the artists. 

Ten famous Indian artists took part in the exhibition. In their speeches, they marked a special spiritual fullness of the Roerichs Estate, its inspiring atmosphere. The words of Sadhna Sangar, an eminent artist, founder president of “WE” Group are especially appropriate here: 

“Nestled in the hills of Kullu the Roerich Estate is a historical gallery which saw many stalwarts of art. Roerich Art Gallery is visited by people from all over the world. This gallery has a beautiful ambience. It provides much needed refuge for reflection, inspiration for the budding artists and mature artists. It is places like this where artists develop and hone their skills thoroughly. It is an adequate reward for the artists and their creative talent. The atmosphere of the place made the stay of artists enjoyable.”