Art as a means of connecting hearts in Manipur

Purnima Ngangom *

If beauty is truth and truth is beauty, then art must be the most beautiful thing of all. Perhaps quotes and phrases of the deep may fail to capture the true essence of art. In an effort to connect the minds of Manipur, an art exhibition titled "Anoi" was held at "Imphal art Gallery", Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai, from 7th to 14th of April 2024.

As the sole female artist participant, among the 9 presenters in this exhibition, I feel a voice is necessary to be presented to the public in light of recent events and future developments of art in Manipur.

When we look back into the past, it is well known that in Picasso’s art pieces, we find evidence of his pieces such as the famous "Guernica" influenced by Spanish war. I feel it is important as an artist to express the devastating impacts of the ongoing Manipur war in the space of people’s feelings and living conditions.

This is exactly what is seen in the works of Rahuldev Seram, Milan Laishram and Bishantam Yumnam.

Also, the soul of the exhibition was focused on conveying the essence of peace, artistic brilliance and virtuosity of the various artist in capturing moments filled with memories in a drop of time. The gallery was adorned with sculptures, acrylics, prints and brush strokes of rainbow. Below all the master’s beautiful art, it was a safe space for all the viewers to gather some measure of peace.

It is however, not an easy task to deduce the viewer’s thoughts as they came by from their expressions or faces. Some expressed excitement and curiosity towards the pieces, some conveyed appreciation, some kept their feelings to themselves.

Perhaps it maybe due their conservative nature or perhaps the connection was so deep that it was inexplicable in words or perhaps it maybe that art was not their cup of tea. Nobody knows why. However, as artists we felt we extended our hand in expressing the true faces of society with our passion. And if this may invoke the eager young minds of today towards a better and harmonious Manipur then we have succeeded.

A particular feature or perhaps a bug which an art exhibition creates an impression towards the general public of Manipur, is that there is a certain inclination of procurement of art as a means of monetise gain is seen from the general rumours.

However, this is not the sole purpose of an exhibition but the exchange of ideas and conveying society’s image or the artist’s creative thoughts in the pieces which may perhaps inject a measure of peace or sometimes invoke interesting discussions among ourselves.

Another important point which I feel is important is the notion of equity. Based on general statistics, it may be perhaps desirable for the public to give their attention towards other aspects of art such as dance or culture. As famous as other arts, I feel the need to bring people’s attention towards the practice of fine arts and its place among the beautiful culture of Manipur.

This article perhaps may lead to many discussions or not but I feel it is necessary to consider.

With this, we as fine artist invite you all to future adventures into the many faces of beauty and we await your responses, even if it’s just a personal question you started asking yourself then this attempt may be considered a success towards a fine arts revolution in Manipur.