Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: Kala Kendra Jammu, in collaboration with the Centre for Creative Arts J&K, today organised a three-day National Level Painting Exhibition in memory of eminent sculptor Gobind Kour. The exhibition was inaugurated by Deepika Sharma, Secretary, Department of Culture, in presence of a galaxy of artists, writers, art critics and intellectuals. The inaugural function was held at the Master Sansar Chand Art Gallery, Kala Kendra, Jammu.
In his welcome address, Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu , Department Of Culture , J&K , stated that the main objective of the exhibition is to pay homage to the first woman sculptor of Jammu and Kashmir, Gobind Kour, who tragically passed away in an accident a decade ago. He said the exhibition aims to preserve her legacy and inspire young artists.
Speaking on the occasion, Deepika Sharma paid rich tributes to Gobind Kour and lauded her outstanding contribution to the field of art, particularly sculpture, in Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the national painting exhibition is a fitting tribute to the pioneering woman sculptor of the region. She further remarked that the works displayed in the exhibition reflect the rich and diverse artistic heritage of the country.
Eminent art historian Dr Lalit Gupta, in his address, spoke about the artistic journey of Gobind Kour, whose family migrated from the Mirpur area of PoJK to Jammu in 1947. Describing her as a distinguished colleague, he said that Gobind Kour was not only fortunate to have good teachers and training but was herself a class artist who carved a distinct identity in the world of sculpture.
O P Sharma, Founder President, J&K Centre for Creative Arts, informed that around 30 artworks are on display in the exhibition, some of which are extremely rare and of great artistic value.
Renowned artist Jang S Verman, husband of Gobind Kour, shared that he possesses several rare works of the late artist, including sculptures and other artworks, which bear testimony to her creative genius.
Among the eminent dignitaries present on the occasion were Naginder Jamwal, Special Secretary to the Chief Secretary; art critic Ravinder Jamwal; Rajeshwar Singh Raju; and eminent artists Bhushan Kesar, Milan Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Ankush Kesar,Dr. A S Aman, Sheikh Mohd Kalyan, Bajeet Raina, Dr Bhasin and Jush Mohan, besides a large number of artists, art lovers and students.DD