‘Second Lives Art Guild’ holds painting exhibition

SRINAGAR, Sept 9: The ‘Second Lives Art Guild’ today organized a painting exhibition today to provide a platform for emerging artists and foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

The captivating event named “Reflections Art Exhibition: Keeping Your Passion Alive,” featured an array of finely crafted artworks created by seven passionate artists from various professions, all of whom share a common hobby: painting. The artists included Deepa Soni, Dr. Jehangeer Aslam, Er. Shazia Basharat, Iftekhar Wani, Rahilla Yaseen, Samreen Nabi, and Urfan Rafigi.
Deepa Soni, the event’s organizer, expressed her vision for the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of connecting people who share a deep passion for art.
“I wanted to meet new people and bring together individuals who follow the same passion; we want to take this further and bring others along; the connection was the real motive,” Soni stated.
Highlighting the event’s unique mission, she underscored the need to shift the focus away from the negative aspects often associated with Kashmir.
“The negative side of Kashmir has always been projected, but we, as artists, wanted to make a difference; there is a lot of hidden talent in Kashmir that has to be brought to the fore,” she said.
In attendance at the exhibition was Syed Abid Rasheed, Secretary of Tourism, who applauded the event’s significance in recognizing budding artists and providing a vital platform for them to showcase their talents.
He observed that such gatherings contribute to the preservation and promotion of J&K’s rich cultural heritage. “J&K is a crucible of diverse arts and culture. These events allow us to revisit our past heritage and revive our former glory. Society must actively encourage art and appreciate the craft,” Rasheed declared.
The organizers reported that visitors to the exhibition were enchanted by the rich tapestry of colors, emotions, and ideas on display, reflecting the unique perspectives of each artist.
“Whether it’s the evocative brushstrokes of Deepa Soni, the thought-provoking work of Dr. Jehangeer Aslam, or the innovative creations of Er. Shazia Basharat, every piece resonated with its own distinctive charm,” they said.