Memories of 1950s Imphal brought to life in Akshaykumar’s solo exhibition
- December 18, 2022 : Art Gallery, Palace Compound -

L Somi Roy *

Akshaykumar’s solo exhibition on December 18, 2022 at Art Gallery, Palace Compound

The man who created the famous cartoon strip “Makar” in Poknapham daily newspaper, Gurumayum Akshyakumar Sharma created another stroke through his solo exhibition which brought back the memories of 1950s’ Imphal, held on December 18 2022 at Art Gallery, Department of Art and Culture, Palace Compound, Imphal East.

The solo exhibition portrays the picture of Imphal during the early 50s and late 40s. One can easily imagine how the earthen pots were brought from villages at Nambul river and unloaded near the Thong Nambonbi near Khwairamband Keithel and also how women of those days sold Bora and later Channa at the river bank of Nambul River at Khwairambandh Keithel.

The street vendors of 1968 at Khwairamband Keithel and the scene of the Khwairamband Ima Keithel painted through oil canvas make one imagine how beautiful was Imphal in those days.

One of the oil canvases also showed the first observance of 13 August (Patriots’ Day) at Pheidabung by class X students of Tombisana High School in 1958.

Akshaykumar’s solo exhibition on December 18, 2022 at Art Gallery, Palace Compound

Today’s Pologround Pavilion was a one-time clean space surrounded by greeneries in 1952. Akshay Kumar’s painting also tells stories of how the first and the last Hiyang Tanaba was held at Nambul River in 1954.

It was indeed a surprise for young visitors to see Nag River, a river where boat races were during 1954 as today the river is no more scene after it has been covered and converted into a parking space.

The inaugural function of the Solo Exhibition was attended by Prof. Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, Lalit Kala Akademi as Chief Guest while Prof. Nongmaithem Tombi Singh presided over the function. Laishram Modhuchandra, Retd. Principal of Imphal Art College also attended as Guest of honour. The exhibition will conclude tomorrow.

Speaking to the media Gurumayum Akshaykumar Sharma said that he had tried to display the solo exhibition in 1998 however, as he was occupied with the creation of “Makar” cartoon for Poknapham newspaper he could only display his painting after around 26 years.

Akshaykumar’s solo exhibition on December 18, 2022 at Art Gallery, Palace Compound