Showcasing the indomitable female spirit: Lalit Kala Akademi inaugurates its All-Women’s Art Exhibition at Rabindra Bhavan Galleries

New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, inaugurated the All-Women’s Art Exhibition titled ‘Akshya Patra’ at Rabindra Bhavan Galleries. The exhibition will last until March 20 and showcase more than 250 artworks from over 12 countries, including those created by 29 talented female artists that attended the three-day All Women’s National Art Camp at Garhi Studios during the last three days.

The multi-dimensional art show, exhibiting works of senior, young and budding art practitioners, has both Indian and international participants as it brings to the fore contemporary, tribal, international, and Avante Garde art practices worldwide, themed around the many faces and benefactions of Mother Nature.

‘Akshya Patra’ is the inexhaustible vessel which provides to all, mirroring the role of contemporary woman as a provider for her family and society. The works on display, through their artistic contributions, succinctly portray the feminine journeys, through life’s joys and sorrows. Through their heart-touching artworks, these creators also question the equation of power and relegation, the comfort of acceptance, and the soreness of negation, laying bare their emotional landscapes in their work.

Along with the inauguration, Lalit Kala Akademi presents #KaroNaSalam curated by Ms. Sayali Kulkarni where she gave a creative tribute to the COVID warriors by Indian Citizens.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC), Government of India, Sh. Prahlad Patel Ji inaugurated the much-awaited event. During the opening ceremony, the dignitaries were welcomed with plants to symbolize and celebrate eco-consciousness. They then proceeded to address the attendees and shared their deep-rooted love and respect for the Indian art culture and the role of women in it.

“Women have been the keystone in the unyielding arch of Indian art and culture. Looking at these mesmerizing artworks, I can only say that given the right opportunities, women can create magic. I find myself privileged to have had the honor of attending this event and I thank all the women of the country for their contribution to the growth and development of the nation. I, hereby, congratulate Lalit Kala Akademi for currating this encouraging opportunity for all the female artists around India & the world which had given them a platform where they are showcasing their work made with lots of emotions & the story of their lives.” said Sh. Prahlad Patel Ji, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC), Government of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Uttam Pacharne, Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, stated: “I congratulate all our wonderful artists who have been a part of this event for their tremendous efforts at portraying on canvas what is often hidden deep in our hearts. I am also reminded, apropos this occasion, to recall the pioneering contributions of Savitribai Phule, India’s first lady teacher, and the first generation of Indian feminists, who had said: ‘Rise to learn and educate, smash traditions, liberate,’ making these thoughts a mirror held up to women’s innate strengths and aptitudes. It is these landmark ideas that are so aptly reflected in the show on view.”

Hon’ble Padmashri Baba Yogendra Ji addressed the crowd by saying these amazing lines: “Women are already very strong and capable. All they want is someone who will believe in their worth. I believe that our nation consists of an abundance of talented women. All they need is support and encouragement. Women have a new level of imaginative power. They are already artists in different fields that they work in.”

Hon’able Shri Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament- Arunachal East, in his speech during the event, said, “At Lalit Kala Akademi we always strive to empower women in every way possible. We believe that every man needs a woman in his life. It may be in the form of a mother, a sister, a friend, or a partner. Just like chess, a queen protects his king!”

Sectary IC Lalit Kala Akademi, Shr. Ramakrishna Vedala give vote of thanks to Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (IC), Government of India, Sh. Prahlad Patel Ji and other dignities along with women artist to grace the occasion successfully.

Later on the event was graced by the popular folklore from Rajasthan where all the female artists who took part in the workshop enjoyed their participation on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day 2021’ organized by Lalit Kala Akademi.