Coming from varied backgrounds, styles and schools of thought, they are on a mission to work creatively and produce masterpieces on canvas by capturing the greenery and natural beauty of Kerala that has attracted tourists from all over the world.
Artists from nine countries are busy with the brush since Wednesday to create the impressions. The greenery and the unique geographic features have inspired the 16 artists from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and 21 from the country and majority of them are half-way through their work on the picturesque Estuary Island here.
The artists from abroad, mostly first-timers to the country, have flown down for the eight-day 'Kerala Green' South Asian Artists Camp organised by the Union Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in collaboration with Seher. Modelled on the lines of 'Jaisalmer Yellow' and 'Puducherry Blue', the Kerala Green is part of the initiative aimed at bringing people closer through increased people-to-people contact between these nations.
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There is bonhomie and warmth among the artists and many were seen moving around wearing the 'Kerala green' apron. Besides the opportunity to interact, the camp helps the artists get closer at the people-to-people level that is so invaluable and indispensable to facilitate proximity between nations.
Mohammed Yusuf Asefi from Afghanistan, who was instrumental in saving 80 paintings in National Gallery at Kabul from the hands of the Taliban, has already given the composition to his painting. “I have never such a natural setting like this and it has inspired me very much,” Dr Asefi, who is visiting the country for the second time and Kerala for the first time, said.
“It is a rare opportunity for artists like us to meet, interact and exchange ideas and update ourselves on art and culture in other countries. We feel jealous of the greenery you have,” says Kyi Win and Nay Myo Say from Myanmar.
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Ommolbanin Sahmsia Hassani from Afghanistan says the State has amazed her and she does not want to go back to Kabul. A budding painter from the strife-torn country, she says things are changing and lot of women artists are coming forward during the last three years. “There are problems and one has to be careful. Earlier, people could not think of art. It is changing and we have freedom. I am trying to showcase the positive sides of the country. Artists are part of culture and we can help development of the country in a big way,” Ms. Hassani said.
“The camp and the exhibition that will follow would go a long way in getting suitable mileage and visibility for Kerala Tourism in the coming days,” says Sanjeev Bhargava of Seher.
The External Affairs Ministry had been taking active steps in the South Asian and SAARC neighbourhood countries since 2007 when India was the Chair of SAARC and when the summit was held in the country. A Cultural Charter was signed at the Summit wherein Cultural diplomacy was given due importance and series of Cultural Festivals began with India taking the initiative.
Classical dance presentation and lecture demonstration, folk music, discussion by art historians, visit to the art gallery and museum and tour are part of the camp that will end on February 23.
The exhibition will be showcased during the next Foreign Ministers' meet of SAARC countries and the summit. It will also travel to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and to the capitals of South Asian countries, including Kabul, Dhaka, Colombo and Kathmandu.