Lucknow — As part of a five-day lecture series on various dimensions of art, a special lecture on the theme “Contemporary Art and the Artistic Landscape of Uttar Pradesh” was organized today at the State Museum, Lucknow. This series is jointly conducted under the aegis of the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Public Schools and Colleges, and the Florescence Art Gallery, Lucknow, as part of the Art Appreciation Curriculum.
The program was inaugurated in the presence of the chief guest, Dr. Awadhesh Mishra, Assistant Professor in the Department of Fine Arts at Dr. Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University, Lucknow. The event was conducted by Dr. Meenakshi Khemka, Assistant Director and the coordinator of the program, who also provided a brief overview of the ongoing lecture series.
Under the guidance of Dr. Srishti Dhawan, Director of the State Museum, the chief guest was warmly welcomed. Dr. Dhawan also encouraged the participants to attentively absorb the ideas shared during the lecture.
Key Highlights from the Lecture
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Awadhesh Mishra, a senior painter and noted academic, emphasized that art is a reflection of time and environment. He stated that the companionship of art fosters a positive outlook on life and that the unique identity of Indian art lies in its local sensibilities, folk colors, rhythms, and cultural narratives.
Dr. Mishra underlined that Uttar Pradesh has long been a cradle of rich artistic traditions, strengthened by its natural resources, educational institutions, scientific developments, and vibrant cultural expressions. These elements have contributed to a dynamic and evolving contemporary art scene in the region that resonates at both national and international levels.
Tracing the roots of formal art education in the state, he highlighted:
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The establishment of the College of Arts and Crafts in Lucknow in the early 20th century.
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The founding of the Faculty of Visual Arts at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) around the mid-20th century, which became the second major art hub in the state.
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The rise of other sub-centers such as Prayagraj, Aligarh, Gorakhpur, and Bareilly, which began producing trained artists who contributed to the mainstream art movement.
Dr. Mishra stressed the need for the younger generation to stay connected with the region’s rich artistic heritage, while simultaneously exploring innovative practices in art. His lecture was accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation showcasing the works and styles of prominent artists from Uttar Pradesh, and he elaborated on different art techniques used in contemporary practice.
Participation and Contributions
The session saw active involvement from key officials and organizers, including:
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Dr. Meenakshi Khemka (Program Coordinator and Assistant Director)
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Alshaz Fatmi (Assistant Director)
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Dr. Anita Chaurasia
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Pramod Kumar Singh
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Preeti Sahni
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Shashikala Rai
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Gayatri Gupta
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Rahul Saini
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Anurag Dwivedi
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Parvez Khan
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Poonam Singh
Personnel from the Directorate of Museums, Uttar Pradesh, and the State Museum, Lucknow, were also present during the event.
The ongoing lecture series continues to serve as a vibrant platform for artists, students, and academicians to engage with critical ideas shaping the visual arts landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
