"Establish Art galleries, prevent students from wasting money in other countries"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 13 2018: Owing to the lack of master class at Imphal Art College which is established under Art and Culture Department, numerous students are going outside the State and wasting money for the class.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Mixed Media Foundation secretary as well as artist Sanajaoba Tensubam made the above statement and conveyed that many tourists will visit the State if numerous Manipur State Art galleries are established which will in turn improve the economy of Manipur.

He stated that many individuals who pursued diploma course in artwork at Imphal Art College go to other States or countries and waste their money to pursue master class or further studies in the field of art owing to the lack of such master class in the State.

Opening a master class would be a dream come true for many artists, he added.

It would be possible for the artist to compete at the international level when they finish master class, Sanajaoba said.

There are few who finish further studies like PhD who had competed at the international level.

Lamenting the present condition of Manipur State Art Gallery, Sanajaoba said that the building is quite small and there are hardly any rooms to put up enough paintings.

On the other hand, he said, other States and countries are easily generating income as they have enormous art galleries where many tourists come and enjoy the paintings.

Sanajaoba said that art and science are both necessary and important in building houses or roads while adding that art is crucial in bringing change in a society.

Pointing out the plights of artists in Manipur, Sanajaoba said that there are almost 300 artists who are capable of attending symposiums at international places, however, due to financial constraints, they are not able to go and explore or share new things in this field even though several artists received invitations to attend grand functions and events.There are both men and women artists who receive such invitations but most women artists could not go after they got married while those who went, had to spend money from their own pocket to attend such functions.

According to him, there are three tribal women and five Meitei women who are currently pursuing master class in art.

Lamenting the unresponsiveness of the Govt, he claimed that a representation was submitted to Chief Minister N Biren six months back to include art class in schools and appoint art teachers.

But the Government has failed to give any response or take up positive actions following the representation.

Sanajaoba stated that Mixed Media Foundation, Kangla Art Group and Ngaiyur a la gallery joined hands and set up a joint gallery called South East Asian Art Group, on June 25 at Chingmeirong opposite to ISBT.

There are 70 painting, out of which ten were drawn by women artists.

Paintings on Khamba Thoibi, Loktak, Siroi, Manipur culture, food habits, standard of living, patriots etc are included among others.

All the paintings are drawn from their own pocket money using canvas and oil colour.

Sanajaoba claimed that there are many artists on the State who are eligible for scholarships and fellowships.

He has participated in an International Art Camp held at Assam in 2011 and drew the scenery of Shilheipung in the North East Artists Camp 2012.He participated in the North East Art Exhibition 2016 held at Manipur State Art Gallery apart from participating in other camps/ exhibitions.

Sanajaoba also received senior fellowship (2016-2017).He asserted that the State Govt should also engaged in promoting the artists and take up initiatives for their welfare and future.

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