Exhibition to strengthen India-Israel relations

The National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Petach Tikva Museum of Art, Israel, is organising an exhibition entitled 'To the End of Land', under the auspices of cultural exchange programme between India and Israel. The exhibition is being held to celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The inauguration of the said exhibition took place on April 28 at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi in the gracious presence of Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Culture, Government of India and chief guest for the occasion along with His Excellency Daniel Carmon, guest of honour, Ambassador, Embassy of Israel in New Delhi.

The exhibition presents a wide range of references and approaches to recent changes in the economic and social landscape in Israel, as manifested by the appearance of natural scenery in Israeli contemporary art. The chosen title, 'To the End of Land' strives to draw attention to some of the cultural, social, and political aspects embodied in their artistic explorations of land.

The exhibition highlights individual life stories which reflect a rich cultural heritage as well as collective hopes for prosperity and rootedness.

Speaking on the occasion, Adwaita Charan Gadanayak, Director General, National Gallery of Modern Art said, "I believe that this exhibition at the NGMA is a significant step in building lively cultural relations, and an opportunity to show modern and contemporary art on a reciprocal basis."

Expressing his views, Daniel Carmon stated, "The ancient civilizations from which India and Israel descend have always attributed great importance to the connection between man and land, and have throughout valued the preservation of our nature and environment. This value still holds an important place in our modern thinking, bringing us closer together as like minded partners. This exhibition connects the peoples of India and Israel in more than one way. It speaks of man's affinity to nature, land, and earth, the basic elements surrounding us, which are vital to our

continued existence. While showcased in an Indian-Israeli setting, the message behind this exhibition is global."