Nazir Ganaie/Srinagar

Artists from different parts of the country captured their experiences and memories of Kashmir on the canvases at a special camp hosted in Srinagar. 

‘Wadiyan’ the camp for artists was organized by Kalaarambh, an art foundation, working toward bringing artists from different states together.

“To feel the essence of Kashmir, the Kalaarambh team came here to put this beauty on their canvas,” Nishikant Palande, founder, of Kalaarambh, told Awaz-the voice.

He said 40 well-known artists joined the week-long camp, which was held recently in Srinagar, Kashmir. The artists also visited several scenic places like Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, and Gulmarg.

“Kashmir is an exquisite place that offers a wide range of natural beauty to artists. Go to any place, you will find your canvas full of intricate details,” he said.

The organizers said that after the success of the Kashmir Art Residential Workshop ‘Swarg’ in 2022, Kalaarambh decided to hold the camp.

Bijay Biswaal with his latest work in Srinagar

“Although Kashmir is famous for its scenic attractions, the people of Kashmir make it a real heaven on earth. Kalaarambh was welcomed by the people of Kashmir last year with open hearts and are waiting for our return to the valley, “the organizers said in a release.

At the camp, artists are coming together to express their solidarity through interactive paintings. They drew inspiration from the scenic splendor, architectural marvels, and local people around.

The artists are also exposed to classical music, poetry reading, local folklore, lectures on Indian contemporary art and history, etc.

Painters, Bijay Biswaal, Vilas Kulkarni, Madu Kumar, and Sikander Singh along with Kalaarambh Fondation's  Achintya Hazara and Nishikant Palande attended the workshop.

“Art has a therapeutic value. We must explore the contours of various facets of arts in Kashmir,” Biswaal said.

Biswaal's famous Railway series and the rural life of India are iconic works. His pen art is also famous. 

Biswaal worked as a Chief Ticket Inspector at Indian Railways in Nagpur and sought p[remature retirement to paint the canvass.

Shiv Vani from Panipat, Haryana told Greater Kashmir that Kalaarambh was a great opportunity for artists from different states to come together for a common cause.

“When an artist visits a place, he must try to understand its culture and language and cultural moorings, and one is halfway through as an artist,” artist Shiv Vani, said.

“I have been to Kashmir many times. We have family relations too here. Coming here to paint is somewhat of a different feeling. I want to retain this feeling. As an artist, you surely fall in love with the place and surroundings around you.”

Another prominent artist, Sanjeev Joshi from Pune, Maharashtra, said that performing art is an unending mission.

The organizers said that several artists from Kashmir have also joined the team Kalaarambh to paint and explore the plein air paintings.

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“Team is already set to range over the breathtaking beauty of Pahalgam and other valleys of Kashmir,” organizers said, adding “All the artists with the wholesome view of capturing the beauty of nature on their canvas are ready with their bags to fill with paintings of Kashmiri beauty and memories altogether.”

“This Kashmir trip was no less than a dream for any artist out here to paint under the roof of clear sky with the surrounding of majestic mountains and song of rivers.”