London-based artist, Temsüyanger Longkumer giving a talk at the Capital Convention Centre Kohima on August 20. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 20
Delving into Temsüyanger Longkumer’s rich and varied artistic practice, which encompasses drawing, installations, printmaking, sculpture, and time-based art, an “Artist Talk” by the London-based interdisciplinary artist was held today at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima organised by the Department of Art & Culture.
During the talk, the artist shared insights on his creative journey and the impact of contemporary cultural and political influences on his work while exploring the role of art as a catalyst for social transformation. The artist, whose work has significantly contributed to placing Nagas on the global stage of international art, also talked about the different series of art such as Home, Living Impressions, Parallel Communes, Rainbow Project, Superstars, Dane Portraits, and Tattooed memory.
The Artist was born in a village called Lapa in Mon district, wherein he also recalled that he grew up with a strong connection to Konyak tradition in his upbringing. Talking about “Tattooed Memory”, he said, “life was natural and primal with very basic surrounding but beautiful.” As a child, he said that, “I always wanted to have a tattoo, and I couldn’t have it because one had to earn it, associated with headhunting and I didn’t understand the concept as a child but, I eventually painted it as it is very much a landscape of my childhood memory.”
Temsüyanger Longkumer’s work has been widely exhibited, featuring prominently at prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale, Kochi Biennale, and Singapore Biennale. His pieces have also been hosted by notable institutions including the Museum der Kulturen in Switzerland, the India International Centre in New Delhi, Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, and the Horniman Museum in London, where one of his sculptures resides in their permanent collection.
Also recognized with multiple international awards and scholarships, Temsü has undertaken residencies at esteemed institutions, including the Fondazione Pistoletto in Italy, Lalit Kala Akademi in India, Pepperton UK in London, Cite International Des Arts in Paris, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture Department, Athel O. Lotha, IAS stated that the purpose of the event was “to highlight the significance of fine arts, explore and delve deeper into a vibrant artistic world through an interaction with the expertise.” Stating confidence that it would serve as a platform for artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement to take arts to a greater height, she also remarked that, “Art has always been an essential aspect of human civilization.”
She underscored that, “Art provides a means of creative expression and reflect the cultural and societal values of the times; convey ideas, emotions and stories, making it vital tool for communications.” “It has the power to influence the way people think, feel and behave. It can inspire, motivate, and even provoke change. In this sense, fine art is an essential catalyst for social, cultural and political progress etc.” she added.
Keeping in mind the exceptional roles of Arts, she also exuded hope that the interactive session, would, “in turn revive, sustain, nurture and bring about fostering an environment where creativity can thrive, flourish and inspire among the committed and enthusiastic Naga artist in particular and the Nagas in general.”
Highlights of the event included introduction by Adela Moa, Director, Art & Culture and vote of thanks by Kikrulhounyu Paphino, Deputy Director (Art).
