TaFMA opens Gallery of Contemporary Art for Naga artists

H. Khehovi Yepthomi and others during the inauguration of GoCA on September 24 at RCEMPA Jotsoma. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News

Jubilation was doing the round within the artists’ fraternity of the state today as Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) opened Gallery of Contemporary Art (GoCA) at Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) at Jotsoma near Kohima. 

GoCA aims to bring the local artists together and take them forward towards professional level.

As a start, the gallery featured the painting works of Akup Bhuchem, Among Venuh, Arenla Nungshi, Chuten Jamir, Cynthia Kolakhe, Lipokmanen, Mhasiselhu Viyie, Mhayani Kikon and Tia Aier.

“It is a great achievement and highly commendable. Nagas always talk about unemployment and many other problems but hardly talk about the talents that God has given to us,” said H. Khehovi Yepthomi, advisor arts & culture and tourism, Nagaland while inaugurating GoCA.

He was hopeful that the local artists will make the best use of the provided platform and focus on proficiency and professionalism.

Yepthomi also stressed on the need to conduct art workshop at the district level as well, given the fact that Nagas have lots of talents which need to be explored and nurtured well.

He lauded TaFMA advisor Theja Meru for the successful opening of this gallery which also coincides with 100 days completion of TaFMA.

“We are greatly talented and have so much scope in various fields like music, art, sports etc. But many of us are afraid to venture into unknown territories because of fear of failure,” the advisor said and challenged the Naga youth to be bold and brave enough to face various challenges ahead.

 
GoCA- A home for artists

“GoCA is a home for the artists,” said TaFMA advisor Theja Meru adding that GoCA will be a yearlong art gallery affair starting from today.

 “With this humble beginning, we hope to move forward to the bigger space in days ahead,” he said.

He said that local artists will be invited to display their works and sell at GoCA platform.

Meru appreciated Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his constant support to promote music and art industry in the state.

This art gallery will keep open for public Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM till 3:00 PM.

TaFMA will soon collaborate with NGOs to run art promotional and sale activities throughout the year.

It would also collaborate with national and international artists to carry out art camps/workshops in the coming days.

Meru announced that TaFMA will conduct Ist Art Camp from October 7 to 10 to enable local artists to paint contemporary themes of Nagaland.

TaFMA will also collaborate with Eastern Art Council (EAC) for 1st ever Dimapur Art Festival from October 15 to 19.

TaFMA project director Dr. Hovithal Sothu thanked everyone for making GoCA initiative a success and look forward continuous support from the public. 

GoCA- A much needed platform 

“It is a good initiative by TaFMA and it is encouraging to see the visual arts been given a platform. However, the gallery space is limited and will need upgradation for more artists to participate and for bigger artworks in the days to come,” commented Vikhor Tepa.

If GoCA plans to host shows on a more regular basis, having a curator would be great. As much as music has been pushed and promoted in the state, it's now time for the visual arts to be given that lift, Tepa added.

Another artist Cynthia Kolakhe expressed happiness over the setting up GoCA, describing it as a “good venture.”

She was hopeful that such platform would provide opportunity to the artists to learn from one another and excel together.