An art exhibition held at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra recently. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

April 18: The abode of clouds will come alive in various hues and shades at the art gallery of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in the city from tomorrow.

The weeklong exhibition, organised by the Meghalaya Fine Arts and Craft Society in association with the Kalakshetra, is the first endeavour of a state to showcase the works of its artists at the cultural centre. It will continue till April 25.

The exhibition of paintings, drawing and graphics will be inaugurated by Meghalaya governor M.M. Jacob. The inaugural function will be presided over by artist Sobha Brahma, who is also the vice-chairman of the Kalakshetra.

Art critic and poet Nilmoni Phukan and former president of Asam Sahitya Sabha Birendra Nath Datta will grace the occasion as guests of honour.

?The exhibition is part of our inter-state exchange programme to develop better ties with our neighbouring states. We hope to invite other northeastern states, too, to showcase the works of their artists. This will help to promote a better understanding of each other?s culture and aspirations,? an official of the Kalakshetra said.

The artists whose works will be exhibited include Reen J. Langstieh, Nathaniel Aliya, Joel D. Kharkongor, Ibawanhun Lyngdoh, Phibarishisa Nongrum, Reginald M. Rani, Royalborn Suting, Raj Thapa, Raphaphang Sohliya, Wandiangsuk Temsen, Daniel Mark, Batliakor Liathma, Shiv Kumar Magar and Dipankar Sinha.

The artists in the invitee section are M.H. Barbhuyan, Khraw Kupar Lanong, Raphael Warjri, Pascal Khyriem and Benedict Hynniewta.

Artists of the city are also looking forward to the exhibition, which will provide an insight into the works of the artists of Meghalaya.

Budding artist Sanghamitra Sarma said, ?This could be the beginning of a new trend. We can start a regular exchange programme and make our artists visit other states and exhibit their works, too. This will help us to understand each other?s works.?

Nayanmoni Bora, who runs an art school in the city, felt that the exhibition is a good opportunity to appreciate each other?s works. ?There is a huge vacuum in the field of art criticism and we need to fill the backlog. We need to develop an intellectual ambience to critically analyse works of art,? he said.

Artist Sakia Zaman agrees. She feels that the exhibition will help in the evolution of different forms of art. ?We can sit and discuss the latest developments in the field and honour skills,? she added.