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Naga paintings a big hit in New Delhi
by Gautam Parihar

     New Delhi: People have heard Naga music but a very few have seen Naga paintings. This was evident at the Naga Art Exhibition recently held at the India International Centre (IIC). The exhibition was organised for the first time in the national capital by the North East Cultural Centre in collaboration with the IIC. Titled as "Beyond the Morung", the art exhibition presented Naga artistic calibre and capabilities. "As far as art is concerned, it is definitely a very-very strong medium of ushering in peace. It lends avenues for people to express themselves. There are Nagas, who are very talented," said M.Jimmy Chishi, an artist. Each and every painting on display -- be it the haunting faces of brave Naga warriors, a loom deserted by the weaver on hearing tragic news, or skulls of prized Mithuns -- reflect the lives of the Nagas. "I want to bring the message of the kingdom of God. Only through God, you can find true containment. I also believe that the present generation lacks in contentment. I always believe that contentment is not what you want, but the realization of what you already have. So, I want to give that message," said Seyiekelie Tepa, an artist. The creative community of the state has been painstakingly working to protest the beauty, splendour and richness of a colourful society which has been overshadowed by violence. The exhibition is titled, "Beyond the Morung" here 'Morung' refers to traditional teachings imparted to Nagas in traditional dormitories. But, the Nagas want to go beyond the 'Morung', beyond tradition .The exhibition conveys the aspirations of the Nagas. The younger generation of Nagas want to move beyond the narrow confines of region, tribe, language and community and explore the world outside.
- Mar 15, 2008

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