Dimapur, December 4 (MExN): Temsuyanger Longkumer is not a new name in the art world. The very talented London-based Naga artist is a well-known face in the art circles in Europe but very few Nagas have ever even heard of him. Temsuyanger, who is in Nagaland, is currently having an exhibition in Kohima, at The Heritage. In a tête-à-tête with The Morung Express, Temsuyanger shared about the vocation he has been given to and the current exhibition.
For someone so given to exhibiting his works in Europe and elsewhere, his Nagaland show is a “homecoming in terms of art”. “This exhibition has been a homecoming in terms of art. I had this in mind for many years, but due to time constraints – there was always something happening” he said, when queried on what made him return to Nagaland for this exhibit. “This exhibit is the right thing at the right time for me, especially because I’ve taken so much from this place, and wanted to return it in one way or another”.
Temsuyanger said an art exhibit involves resources, and was struggling at that time before he could manage any art activities. “I was busy looking after my career, and didn’t have the time and opportunity. This exhibit is the right thing at the right time for me, especially because I’ve taken so much from this place, and wanted to return it in one way or another, and that’s why I have saved a lot of my art works for this show, and decided to slash the prices as well” the artist said. On the response to his works, Temsuyanger said it has been “very interesting”. He adds, “I received a few, very sound observation, very interesting points of view; very intellectual stuff – I was very impressed”.
Temsuyanger explained that, in a career such as art, he is used to feedbacks from art critics and curators. “It is very rare for me to get comments from people who are innocent in terms of art, and it has been such a good opportunity for me to receive such unadulterated feedback” he explained. “I know many people here don’t have access to this kind of art, but they brought points which surprised me – unadulterated views” the artist said.
On the “standard” of art of Naga artists, he is convinced they are no way down the rung. “I must say to them, ‘Well done!’ I would like to say that to Iris and the boys too. Out here in Nagaland because of the lack of exposure, artists are tempted by many other professions to feed the stomach, and for them to have come up with all this, I must say, well done” he said.
He also said it is very important not to get influenced by what “you see in the media, western art, or what you see in the art galleries”. The artist cautioned that one can easily be manipulated by what he sees, and it is important for one to try to be what he is, and work on it. This is the message to Naga aspirants: “Develop your own language, your own system of communicating with your art, your own medium of expression, instead of collecting different ideas from everywhere, and your work becoming a ‘mish-mash’”. Temsuyanger also shared a personal experience of irony and contrast, so common to vocation and qualification in a state such as Nagaland: “I was also told the other day, by an artist friend of mine who said that most of the jobs that are for artists in Nagaland are given to people who have no inclination or interest in Art.
In fact, an art graduate is working as a bus conductor in Mokokchung! I do hope that this change and artists are given the recognition that they deserve”.
On his works and the meaning behind them, the artist said they are more “like my little fantasy, and in a way, it is to remind people that amidst all these problems, there are still good things that we can find”.
He was once asked by some European journalists if he had any works that reflected the conflict that is in Nagaland. “When I thought about it, I realized that throughout my whole career, I hardly have one or two. I guess I am more drawn to the good things in our land and that there are so many good things to learn amidst all that is going on” he said.
However, these problems shouldn’t be forgotten that they are everywhere, not just in Nagaland, and problems are not only confined to remote areas, he said. “I think subconsciously or unknowingly, I have been picking up things that I do miss at the moment, which I use to see, and which I believe still exists in some parts” Temsuyanger explained.
Temsuyanger will be leaving for Delhi on December 27 where he will have an exhibit in spring. He will also be preparing for a major exhibit in London, in the month of May.
The Morung Express wishes Temsuyanger Longkumer all the best. The Exhibit ‘Brave New World’ will continue at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, Kohima upto the 7th of December. The exhibit is showcasing Temsuyanger’s works, as well as works by Seyie Tepa, Jimmy Chishi, and Iris Yingzen. The exhibit is open for public viewing.
