Thwet -"The search for originality"

We are not recognised even in our city how do you expect the world to know about us? These words were uttered in desperation by Benedict Hynniewta a well known artist among his fraternity who added that artists are not given the recognition they deserve. This feeling was echoed by an artist ruing that there were no lovers of art in the city to promote their vocation.

This was all said during the workshop cum exhibition called Thwet (search) which was recently organised by the RITI Academy of Visual Arts to encourage the talents of the city.

Banshemphang Lanong a sculptor who had passed from Shanti Niketan, Kolkata said that these workshops are of immense help for the art fraternity because during such discourses the artists can interact with each other and share their problems and experiences, especially young artists like him. According to Benedict, the workshop was held for the search for originality among the artists. To him, without originality the world would not recognise an artist. Raphael Warjri said that people can spend money on sofa sets and carpets but would think twice before buying a good piece of art. Banshemphang also rues the fact that there are no lovers of art in the city to promote them. 

One grouse that the art fraternity of the city has against the government is that in spite of the available talent, it has yet to set up an institution to promote art. Raphael Warjri says that the Government only pays lip service but there is no patronisation or initiative on the part of the government to open even an art gallery so that the artists can get space to show their work. Banshemphang adds that though the state has a lot of potential, there is no help forthcoming from the government and those who can afford it go outside the state to sharpen their skills. However, for a majority who can not spend it is a lost opportunity. The fraternity has to depend on a few lovers of art who run private galleries to display their works. 

The workshop Thwet was an opportunity on the part of the artists to showcase their talents that tribals are not confined to their own sphere but they too have a universal outlook. However, Benedict adds with a tinge of sadness that the society is not ready to appreciate, support or invest in their work. In spite of these handicaps the artists of the state will always do what they always love. Therefore we as a society should try to appreciate their works because ultimately what the artists portray on their canvas is the reflection of how vibrant the society that we live in is. As in the words of Benedict, “A society that does not raise their voice is a dead society.” In the end as someone said at the exhibition, “Art is the expression of the mind without fear”.