CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the second day of the Srijan Sadhana Art Exhibition, paintings by senior art gurus of Bhopal were showcased, offering the audience a glimpse into the city’s rich history of visual arts. A special art discussion was also organized on this occasion, featuring speakers Ashok Bhaumik, Prayag Shukla, Sushma Srivastava, Vinay Upadhyay, and Chitra Singh.
Senior painter from Bhopal, Dr. Sushma Srivastava, said that the mentors whose works are displayed here today used to learn and teach in a very natural way, often through group discussions. This informal exchange of ideas provided invaluable knowledge and contributed significantly to their success.
Vinay Upadhyay remarked that he had the privilege of learning under many art masters, and his understanding of art was shaped by their efforts and guidance. Devi Lal Patidar pointed out that society often fails to recognize art teachers as true artists, leading to their neglect.
Prayag Shukla emphasized that Indian art gurus have played a vital role in the growth of visual arts in the country. He noted that all art is beautiful and that visual art is an independent medium that can be enjoyed universally. He described art as magical, urging people to view it with generosity.
Artist Ashok Bhaumik argued that modern art does not belong to any single school or tradition. While India often claims its cultural legacy—whether from the Indus Valley Civilization or Ajanta—he observed that for centuries this heritage remained hidden in darkness. Historically, artists lacked creative freedom, often compelled to follow the directives of kings, which, according to him, stripped their work of true artistic essence. He said that Raja Ravi Varma gave form to Indian myths, but those depictions were not necessarily reflective of reality. He criticized the lack of freedom in modern Indian art, stating that art is being branded and accepted without critical questioning. For him, freedom is essential in art: just as an artist has the liberty to create, so too does the viewer have the freedom to interpret and critique it.
Dr. Sushma Srivastava praised the collective efforts of Bhopal’s art teachers and institutions such as Scope Global Skills University, Rabindranath Tagore University, and Vishwarang. Dr. Chitra Singh recited a poem depicting the colors of nature. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Arjun Kumar Singh, Head of the Tagore School of Fine Arts, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Tina Tiwari.
Organizers: Tagore School of Fine Arts, Scope Global Skills University Bhopal, Vishwarang Foundation, and Rabindranath Tagore University Bhopal. The exhibition was curated by Dr. Ankit Jain, founder of the Likhandra Kala Samiti.
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