Workshop to revive printmaking begins at LKA studios

As a part of First Print Biennale India (PBI) being organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA), 'National printmaking workshop', was launched at the Lalit Kala Artist Studios, Garhi, New Delhi on April 11. The workshop will continue till April 19.

The workshop was inaugurated by M L Srivastava, Protem Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, in the presence of Arpana Caur, Chief guest, eminent painter and printmaker. Vishalakshi Nigam, Secretary In charge, LKA and Bhisham Mirani, Deputy Secretary I/c (P&D) and Incharge Garhi, graced the occasion with their presence. Participating artists and numerous art lovers attended the opening ceremony of the workshop.

On the occasion, M L Srivastava, Protem Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, congratulated the participating printmakers and said, "Till the 1950s, printmaking medium was not recognised as good as painting, sculpture or other primary genres of visual arts. It was only until the 80s that this medium got its position parallel to other visual art forms. And now, the LKA, true to its commitment, is not going to let fade out this fine art medium. The first PBI has elicited interest in printmaking nationally and globally. I hope that such events will keep the enthusiasm of printmaking medium alive."

Arpana Caur, reminiscing her time at the Garhi studios said, "I am basically a painter who accidentally came into printmaking in the 1980s. The Akademi has done a tremendous job by putting up India's first ever print Biennale. I see this event as a grand platform for the young printmakers with great potential, and I congratulate all the participants of the National printmaking workshop."

The recent National Award winners of Lalit Kala Akademi, a total of 11, are participating in the workshop. The participants will create prints using printmaking techniques like lithography, intaglio, relief printing and silkscreen. This workshop includes National award winners artists like Rabi Narayan Gupta (Chhattisgarh), Jyotirmay Dalapati (West Bengal), L. Raja (Gujarat), Vijay Pichumani (Tamil Nadu), Shrinivas Govindrao Mehetre (Maharashtra), Rajesh Kumar Singh (Uttar Pradesh), Dimple B. Shah (Bangalore). The workshop will conclude with an exhibition of artworks produced during this workshop at Garhi.