The 64th National Exhibition of Art, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi, honored 20 artists for their exceptional work in various visual art forms. Among the awardees were Anand Narain, Tapati Bhowmik Majumdar, and Skarma Sonam Tashi, whose artworks reflected their unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Anand Narain’s oil painting, “Kan Kan Mein Hai Ram, Ayodhya,” embodied a universal vision of Ram, inspired by the historic events of 2024. Narain, a poet and artist, emphasized the importance of technical mastery and cultural reflection in his work.
Tapati Bhowmik Majumdar’s award-winning series, “Re-Bhoomi,” integrated Bengali traditions of alpana with Tripura’s indigenous weaving and textile practices. Her work was deeply rooted in Tripura’s cultural identity, and she aimed to bring together the state’s mixed cultural heritage. Majumdar also focused on community empowerment, having opened a boutique that employed women and transformed her paintings into wearable art.
Skarma Sonam Tashi, from Ladakh, brought environmental consciousness into his art, using natural pigments sourced from the region to depict Ladakh’s architecture and landscapes. His award-winning series, “My Homeland 3,” reflected his concern for the sensitive ecology of Ladakh and his desire to work with materials from the land itself.
The exhibition recognized excellence in diverse visual art forms, including painting, sculpture, graphics, textile art, and photography. President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of fair prices for artworks, stating that it would encourage artists and those who wish to pursue art as a profession. The awardees highlighted the significance of consistency, hard work, and cultural reflection in their artistic practices.
The event also sparked discussions on the state of contemporary art, with Anand Narain criticizing the growing overlap between fine art and craft. He stressed that technical mastery and dedication to a single medium were essential for creating meaningful art. The exhibition showcased the diversity and richness of Indian art, with each awardee bringing their unique perspective and cultural background to the forefront.