IMPHAL, May 25: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today inaugurated the 3-day long Malem Paphal Art Exhibition at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen, Palace Compound.
The exhibition organised by Singh Portrait Gallery (Trust) is showcasing 400 different Paphal (flags) associated with different stages of the Manipuri history as well as 400 different portraits of distinguish individuals from both the hills and valley of Manipur. The oil paintings are created by Haobam Sanaton.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said our State Manipur, located in the North Eastern corner of India, is home to several communities who have their own separate culture, language, religion. These communities have been residing peacefully since time immemorial fully understanding their roots and origins, he added.
We have been establishing our identity with our talents in games & sports and arts and culture not only in India but to the outside world as well, Ibobi observed.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also lauded the efforts of the Singh Portrait Gallery for presenting the history of Manipur through its portraits.
We are all aware that painting is not an easy art, and a painter is a naturally-gifted artists, he continued.
The Chief Minister said although the number of artists in the State is quite negligible, it is understandable that they are facing financial problems because unlike in other States of the country or outside the country there are not many buyers of paintings.
Considering the time taken and effort needed in this profession, we can only laud the artists who are working selflessly with dedication and sacrifice, he observed.
The Chief Minister further lauded the Singh Portrait Gallery and the Singh Publicity asserting that the Malem Paphal Art Exhibition, 2015 is not an ordinary exhibition.
The portraits and other paintings will tell out younger generation about our ancestors`™ origin, customs, tradition, behavior and changes brought to the society, he observed.
Meanwhile, former minister Arts and Culture Dr Moirangthem nara Singh also drew the attention of the Chief Minister to frame a State culture policy to help the artists of the State.
Manipur Sahitya Parishad president Thoidingjam Tombi Singh also attended the inaugural function as a dignitary.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/05/cm-inaugurates-malem-paphal-art-exhibition/