A few of Pulak Gogoi’s paintings and (below) the artist announces the exhibition on Sunday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Nov. 18: If you are looking for art that depicts the reality of contemporary society, get ready for a real bargain.

Art for a cause will be the theme at a series of exhibitions by artist Pulak Gogoi, also known for his cartoons satirising politics.

Gogoi will organise a series of exhibitions-cum-sale of his paintings from November 20, the first of which will be held at State Art Gallery from November 20 to 26.

The prints of his paintings will be available at the least possible prices.

“I am selling the prints of my paintings to enable people to purchase works of art at low prices. The minimum price of my original paintings will not be less than Rs 30,000, which all cannot afford. I want to introduce the concept of selling prints of paintings, a practice, which has not been prevalent in Assam. The price range of paintings will range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000,” Gogoi told journalists this morning.

According to Gogoi, his paintings would help highlight the state’s social issues and culture among the masses. The lower prices would ensure that a larger section of society would have access to works of art.

He added that painting is an important medium of communication to help root out social evils.

The artist has exhibited and sold many of his paintings in Washington way back in 1972.

However, he expressed his resentment that the government is not doing enough to promote and encourage artists.

He said the department of cultural affairs once used to purchase paintings from the artists to encourage them.

“Even after the inauguration of the State Art Gallery and the frequent paintings exhibitions which are held there, the department has not bought a single painting for the past many years. This is a sad development. At the end of the day, even artists are human beings and need money to survive. I have seen artists who quit their art because of financial constraints,” he said.

Altogether 21 paintings on themes such as peace, violence, corruption, Assamese culture, the tranquil beauty of the countryside and tribal culture, will be put up for sale during the exhibition.

Gogoi started his career as a staff artist for the information and public relations department.

He has also held exhibitions at galleries throughout the country, including the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai, Academy of Fine Arts in Calcutta and Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi.

Exhibitions-cum-sale of his paintings in Jorhat, Nazira, Dergaon and Nagaon will follow the one in the city.