Ashwani Kumar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 26: As a sequel to series of exhibitions of Sculptures and Paintings being organized at Kala Kendra, Jammu by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, on the eve of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, an Exhibition Crescent Art Works by Ashwani Kumar Sehaj and Shally Mahajan was inaugurated today by Principal Secretary, General Administration Department, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai.

Mr.Ganai, while interacting with media said that the paintings of Shally Mahajan and Ashwani Kumar Sehaj give an impression of prevailing social evils of child abuse, women exploitation and menace of smoking to the masses.

Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi while appreciating the paintings of Shally Mahajan and Ashwani Kumar, said that such exhibitions will encourage artists to explore at the national scene.

Shally Mahajan has done her masters in Painting from Santiniketan and BFA from Jammu Art College, Jammu. During her BFA she was awarded with Lalit Kala Academy scholarship followed with National Scholarship during her Masters by the Cultural Ministry, New Delhi.

Ashwani Kumar Sehaj did his masters in Printmaking from Santiniketan and BFA in Painting from Jammu Art College, Jammu. During his BFA he was awarded by J&K Cultural Academy followed with National Scholarship during his Masters by the Cultural Ministry, New Delhi. He was also awarded AIFACS Award in Printmaking.

Both the painters have been participating in the major exhibitions and workshops in India from 2003.

Exhibition of paintings commences at Kala Kendra

12/27/2007

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JAMMU, DEC 26

An exhibition of recent art works (paintings) by Ashwani Kumar Sehaj and Shally Mahajan commenced in Master Sansar Chand Art Gallery of the Kala Kendra here today.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Principal Secretary to Government General Administration Department, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai and it was organized by the J&K Cultural Academy as part of its ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations. While speaking on the occasion, Ganai said that the paintings of Shally Mahajan and Ashwani Kumar Sehaj laid an impression of awareness about the evils of child abuse, women exploitation and "No" for smoking to the masses.
In his address, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Secretary, Cultural Academy, appreciated the paintings of Shally Mahajan and Ashwani Sehaj, adding further, said that such exhibitions will encourage the artists to explore at the national scene.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Savita Bakshi, Principal, Institute of Music & Fine Arts (IMFA), Jammu; Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn, Incharge, Kala Kendra; O P Sharma, SOCA; Rajinder Tickoo, Bishambher Mehta and a number of writers, painters, sculptors and others.

Nostalgic images
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 28 — The works of oil and acrylic on canvas, put up by Shally Mahajan and Ashwani Kumar, alumni of the Institute of Fine Arts, Jammu, at the PU Fine Arts Museum, present a stark contrast between zesty urban life and serene rural life. The exhibition will be on view till December 2.

While Ashwani has concentrated on painting his village from memory, Shally’s work is all about glittering urban interiors and the related attitudes. She paints the raw enjoyment in the club and in the household, bringing to life the fast pace of city life. The works have been spontaneously painted — whether it is the outdoor restaurant, the banquet hall or the club surroundings.

Ashwani portrays the earthy village life and his paintings reflect his strong association with the village. He has painted series of works, one titled Tending the cow and another titled The village pond. He said, “I have evolved a personal style. I do not know how far have I been successful, but I have tried to inspire freedom in the works.”

Shallly, recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi (Delhi) scholarship for 2000-2001, concentrates on figurative works. “Figurative interiors offer greater freedom of compositional design, colour and pattern,” she said.

Awards:
2007: Award in Graphics Section of the 79th Annual All India Art Exhibition,
AIFACS, New Delhi.
2002-2004: National Scholarship by Ministry of Human Resource and Development,
Govt.of India.
1998: State Award by J&K Culture Academy, Jammu, India.
1995: Painting Competition by J&K Culture Academy, Jammu, Indi