4-9 March, 2020 @ Lalit Kala Akaddemi, New Delhi
The National Kala Mela 2020 held at Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi from 4th to 9th March alongnside the 61st National Exhibition of Art saw massive participation by women artists showcasing paintings, mixed media works and artefacts, underlying the increasing interest and public presence of talented women in Art. Majority of the 170 stalls selected for the Kala Mela belonged to women artists, said the Akademi’s official release.
Hon’ble Culture Minister, Prahlad Patel inaugurated the Kala Mela alongwith National Exhibition on 4th March evening at the Akademi premises at Ravindra Bhavan, Mandi House circle at a ceremony presided over by the LG of Delhi, Anil Baijal in presence of Akademi chairman Dr. Uttam Pacharne and Padma Bhushan awarded artist Ram V. Sutar and Padma Shri Shyam Sharma.
The Akademi celebrated the International Women’s day at the Kala Mela on Sunday, March 8th 2020 and acknowledged the increasing contribution of female artists in spreading awareness about Art as a perfect medium of expression of creative genius and empowerment. Works by women artists drew wholesome attention by art lovers in the Kala Mela.
Kala Mela has 150 stalls put up by women. Chairman Dr. Uttam Pacharne appreciated and congratulated all the female artists.
The Kala Mela also documented the experiences of participating artists by recording their interviews. Sharing her feelings, self-taught artist Dr. Suryasnata Mohanty described her participation in the Kala Mela ‘a great privilege’. “To get selected as an Exhibitor through a juried process from over 5000 artists applicants is itself an honour and credit. To show one’s work among the country’s leading art practitioners and getting to know about the works of visual artists of various styles and thoughts is a rich experience,” Dr Mohanty said. “Also the feedback and enquiries from art lovers and visitors is a reaffirmation of market potential for us,” she added.
