Srinagar: The culturally rich valley of Jammu is poised to become a vibrant canvas for artists from across India as it prepares to host the second edition of the ‘Sama-Vaya’ Art Retreat. Scheduled from August 22-25, 2024, the retreat will take place at the picturesque Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre mountain harbour known for its seamless blend of luxury, nature, and adventure.
This year’s retreat is organized by prominent art consultant and curator Anupa Mehta, with support from renowned crafts curator Anu Chowdhury Sorabjee. The four-day event will feature eight master craftswomen and artists, including notable Jammu-based artists Sohan Singh Billawaria, Suman Gupta, and Rachita Dutta. They will be joined by other distinguished artists such as Lado Bai, Kritika Joshi, Saroj Shyam, Rachna Badrakia, and Neha Lavingia.
A Union of Art and Nature
‘Sama-Vaya,’ meaning ‘union’ in Sanskrit, aims to foster collaboration and creative exchange among artists from diverse backgrounds. The participants will immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of Skyview by Empyrean, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of the Sanget-Patnitop region and the majestic Pir Panjal range.
During the retreat, artists will work both individually and in pairs to create artworks that reflect their impressions of Jammu and the environment. The culmination of this creative process will be an exhibition on August 25, where the public can view the unique and inspired works produced during the retreat.
A Vision for Art and Community
Anupa Mehta, with over two decades of experience in the Indian art world, expressed her excitement about the upcoming retreat. “The response to the premier ‘Sama-Vaya’ art retreat last year was overwhelmingly positive, prompting us to return with another edition. This year, we have a diverse group of artists from both urban contemporary settings and indigenous areas. Their varied backgrounds and creative perspectives promise to make this year’s retreat even more vibrant and engaging,” she said.
Owais Altaf Syed, Director of Skyview by Empyrean, emphasized the property’s commitment to promoting art and culture. “Skyview by Empyrean is more than just a premium property offering top-class hospitality. We are dedicated to empowering local communities and promoting passions like sports and art for the greater good. Hosting ‘Sama-Vaya’ aligns perfectly with our vision, and we look forward to welcoming the artists and seeing how our serene surroundings inspire their creativity,” he stated.
A Scenic and Inspirational Setting
Skyview by Empyrean, located just an hour’s drive from the famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple at Katra, provides an ideal backdrop for an event of this magnitude. The property offers unfiltered views of the Pir Panjal range, making it a perfect destination for artists seeking inspiration from nature’s beauty.
As art lovers and collectors from around the world converge on Jammu for the ‘Sama-Vaya’ Art Retreat, the event promises to be a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the stunning landscapes of Jammu. The retreat not only highlights the region’s cultural richness but also underscores Skyview by Empyrean’s role as a hub for artistic expression and innovation.
About the Artists:
Sohan Singh Billawaria is a remarkable self-trained artist specializing in Traditional Miniature Painting who will be representing his work at the retreat. His work has graced the hallowed halls of Amar Mahal Museum and Library in Jammu, Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi, Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi. His talent has been acknowledged through awards such as the National Award – Ministry of Textiles – New Delhi in 1999, J&K State Award in 2003, State Award for Excellence of Art in 2007, National Junior Research Fellowship Award in 1998. His works also include the iconic Buckingham Palace and the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, and the President and Prime Minister’s Residence in New Delhi.
Suman Supta is a National Academy award winner and will also be displaying his work at the retreat. Couched in his cultural roots relating to the mountains, the works of Suman Gupta are imbued with multi-layered meanings, rich in anthropological details. Using his memory and imagination as a tool, Suman goes beyond the scientific objective and transforms real–life situations into visual documents of socio-philosophical significance while pursuing his mind-images. He was the first Indian artist ever to showcase his works in a one–man show titled ‘The Mountain Mysteries at Palais des Nations, United Nations Office at Geneva,Switzerland, during the ‘Year of the Mountains’ in 2002.
Rachita Datta is an artist whose creative journey is woven with threads of tradition and innovation. Her unique artistic voice has earned her recognition and acclaim, manifested in the form of the National Young Artist Scholarship in 2017 and a junior Fellowship in 2019. The prestigious 63rd National Lalit Kala Exhibition in New Delhi selected her work for display marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. She had her recent exhibitions in notable galleries such as Apre Art Gallery in Mumbai, Dot Line Space in Mumbai, and Bikaner House in New Delhi. Rachita remains rooted in her hometown of Jammu, where she lives and works.