An Art Society
Artists' Point 2023
Xander Stragier from Belgium, Michael Prandstätter from Austria, Lucia Oleňová from Slovakia, Poushali Das from Kolkata, and Işık from Nepal spent a month in the Ri Bhoi District, sharing their knowledge with the local community. Extensive workshops for rural school children were organized throughout the program, allowing students and teachers to experience new ways of learning through joy and creative art processes. Invited artissts also exchanged their knowledge with local artists from Meghalaya through a Plein Air Symposium.
Raphael Roston Jyrwa, Kaver Kharbteng, Balajied Thangkhiew, Damanbha Hynniewta, Coops Kharluki, Skhemlang Hynniewta, Prakash Kishor, Tony Slong, and Ericson Majaw participated in the Plein Air Symposium, immersing themselves in the creative atmosphere of Artists’ Point 2023 alongside the international resource artists.
The final exhibition, titled Por Lyiur—which means "summer time" or "monsoon season" in the Khasi language—showcased the artists’ perception of the place through their unique perspectives. Bamboo forests, breathtaking landscapes, hospitable people, and the captivating cultural traditions of Meghalaya once again served as a source of inspiration for the artists participating in the International Art Residency. During the residency, artists experienced fluctuations in Meghalaya's usual climate patterns, which also became a source of creative ideas and influenced the theme of the art show.
The art residency program was organized by Picasso Pupils: An Art Society, hosted by Shillong Public School, and supported by the State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SSA-SEMAM) and the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.