Brushstrokes that serve as a bridge between two cultures

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what could be yet another attempt to strengthen the bond between India and China, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has embarked on a mission to organize a painting exhibition of artists from both countries. Titled ‘Maitri’, the programme showcases the works of 19 women artists from the two countries.
The exhibition that started its tour from Bangalore in May had its second stop at Chennai a week ago.The city edition of the exhibition will conclude next Monday.
The 24 paintings took shape at the week-long art residency program held at Jaipur Diggi Palace last November. “The travelling exhibition is an ICCR initiative to bridge the culture and strengthen the bond between the two countries. The artists are brought on one platform beyond geographical barriers to explore possibilities using colours. The initiative is a friendship between India and China through painting,” said Madhurkankana Roy, regional officer, ICCR-Thiruvananthapuram.
The paintings include acrylic on canvas, mixed medium, pencil on board, black ink on board, oil on canvas and so on depicting various sights in and around Rajasthan.
While Meenakshi Kasliwal Bharati’s ‘Golden sky’ portrays a dusky sky in the deserts of Rajasthan, Ahao Aihua’s painting ‘Bodhi sattva’ depicts a sketch of the Buddha. ‘Diggi Palace’ by Yang Yan of Shanghai reflects her admiration towards the place with minute detailing of the potted plants and window panes of the building. Equally striking are other works like ‘I am Here’, ‘Ruins’, ‘Nirbhaya’ and ‘Impression’. The exhibition at KCS Panicker Gallery, Museum, is open to public from 10am to 5pm.