Art enthusiasts and creators gathered today as the Punjab Art Initiative, proudly supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation, unveiled its highly anticipated third edition at the VR Punjab Mall. The festival, themed Transcending Boundaries, celebrates artistic innovation and the limitless imagination of artists from diverse backgrounds.
The festivities began with a captivating miniature painting session titled Raga Mala, led by renowned artist Anubhav Som. This intricate display beautifully illustrated the essence of Indian musical ragas, setting a harmonious tone for the event. Following this, an interactive live painting workshop engaged 15 talented student artists from Chandigarh University, fostering a dynamic environment of collaboration and creativity.
Transforming the VR Punjab Mall into a vibrant art gallery, the festival features over 300 installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs. Contributions come from esteemed institutions such as Chandigarh University, Chitkara University, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, Sanskar Bharti Foundation, alongside senior artists. A standout creation is the Kala Car, a collaborative masterpiece by multidisciplinary artist Chitwan Singh Nanda, showcasing the seamless blend of traditional and contemporary art forms.
Visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibitions, including a poignant photo display inspired by UNESCO’s publication A Braided River: The Universe of Indian Women in Science. Additionally, the digital showcase Interwoven Legacies: Synergies between World Heritage and Living Heritage in India highlights the intricate connections between India’s rich heritage and its living traditions.
In a prestigious collaboration with Chandigarh Tourism, the Punjab Art Initiative proudly presents a collection of paintings and photographs from the Le Corbusier Centre. Art aficionados can also look forward to a special screening of The Power of Utopia – Living with the Le Corbusier in Chandigarh on October 19, delving into the architectural legacy of the iconic designer.
Complementing the visual arts, the festival hosts the Punjab Literature Festival, featuring an impressive lineup of authors. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Sahitya Akademi and Mira Award-winning writer Nand Kishore Acharya, Yash Bharti Award-winning author Khushbir Singh Shaad, as well as celebrated names like Durjoy Dutta and Dr. Ishinna Sadana. The Punjab in Focus section offers a stunning collection of cityscapes captured by both seasoned photographers and emerging talents, while the Art Bazaar provides a curated marketplace for local artisans to showcase their craftsmanship.
With installations by students from Chandigarh University and other esteemed institutions, alongside contributions from senior artists, the Punjab Art Initiative promises a week-long celebration of artistic excellence and cultural heritage. The transformed VR Punjab Mall stands as a testament to the region’s vibrant art scene, inviting the community to immerse themselves in a world where creativity knows no bounds.
For more information and to participate in the festivities, visit the Punjab Art Initiative’s official website.
