There is an amazing potential for India and Russia to learn from each other, Sergey V. Soloviev, Deputy Consul General of the Russian Federation (South India), said here on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Indo-Russian Art Acadamy, which will serve as a forum for students and artists to interact with their counterparts in Russia. As Russia has been going through a phase of turmoil over the past two decades, the lessons that India's rich cultural past offered were very valuable, Mr. Soloviev added.
The programme, jointly organised by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and the Indo-Russian Cultural and Friendship Society, also featured an exhibition of paintings showcasing the works of Nicholas Roerich and Adimoolam.
P.A. Mani, Commissioner of Art and Culture, said that the Acadamy would serve as a forum for collaboration. The government is also considering a proposal to implement an artists' exchange programme.
R.B. Bhaskaran, former chairman of National Lalit Kala Akademi, said that the endeavour would honour and promote upcoming artists. “Whether an artist is well-known or not, the city desperately needs a forum to exhibit their work for free. People should be allowed to see works of great artists. Though government colleges in the city have produced some brilliant artists, many of them lack recognition.”
The Indo-Russian Art Acadamy premises would be available for free to hold thematic workshops exploring different styles and genres of art, exhibitions featuring acclaimed works of art from India in Moscow, art camps and classes for children, and to bring interesting works from Russia to India. R.Veeramani, chairman, GEM group of companies, cartoonist Madhan and artist C.Dakshanamoorthy spoke.