ART MENTORING PROGRAMS
PADAV: ART MENTORING PROGRAM
5 JUNE 2024 - 10 JUNE 2024
at KAAYA LEARNING CENTRE, DEHRADUN
The Bangani Art Foundation is excited to announce the participants selected for the esteemed PADAV: Art Mentoring Program. This prestigious event will be held at the Kaaya Learning Centre in Dehradun from June 5th to 10th, 2024. With a remarkable 65 applications from across Uttarakhand, the selection process was highly competitive. After thorough evaluation, we are pleased to present the 13 exceptional young artists who have been chosen.
Congratulations to the selected participants! This program is set to be a transformative experience, fostering artistic development and innovation. As we embark on this enriching journey, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to all the participants. We eagerly anticipate the creative contributions that will emerge. Here’s to an inspiring and fulfilling experience ahead.
Selected Participants:
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Pragya Shah (Dehradun)
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Vivek Rai (Dehradun)
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Sushant Badhani (Uttarkashi)
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Kiran Joshi (Nainital)
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Kuldeep Kumar (Nainital)
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Pawnesh Dhami (Pithoragarh)
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Shivani Raghav (U Singh Nagar)
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Chandni Dev (U Singh Nagar)
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Bipesh Chandra (Dehradun)
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Akarshan Bora
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Sugam Gaur
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Aakash
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Kabir
Day 1:
Embarking on the Journey
As the sun rose over Kaaya, participants from far and wide gathered, their hearts eager and minds open. Artist Jagmohan Bangani, a mentor of wisdom in the art, introduced us to Mr. Subhash Rawat, a luminary in theatre and the art of creativity. With his guidance, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The day unfolded with mentor Jagmohan Bangani leading a masterful session on "Canvas Stretching," imparting not just technical expertise but a philosophy of craftsmanship. Each participant, with careful hands and inspired hearts, stretched their canvas—a canvas not just of cloth, but of possibilities. As twilight descended, we gathered for a dinner under the stars, serenaded by melodies that echoed the spirit of creation itself, forging bonds of camaraderie and joy.
Day 2:
Sketches of Dreams
With the dawn, we nourished our bodies and souls, sharing the rough contours of our dreams with Jagmohan Bangani. With his seasoned eye and gentle guidance, he shaped our visions into tangible plans. As the day progressed, Pencils pirouetted on canvases, translating aspirations into strokes of color and form. Amidst this creative fervor, we found solace and inspiration in the cool embrace of the swimming pool, where reflections shimmered like the thoughts taking shape within us.
Day 3:
The Alchemy of Art
The workshop hummed with focused energy as each participant delved deeper into their journey of artistic exploration Mr. Bharat Bhandari's (artist) arrival brought a wave of passion to the space, underscoring the timeless appeal of artistic endeavor. As dusk settled in, Jagmohan Bangani and Punam Sharma, founding members of BAF, spun tales of their artistic journeys, weaving narratives that mirrored the intricate depths of their creations.
Day 4:
Layers of Experience
Under artist Jagmohan Bangani's unwavering mentorship, our paintings continued to unfold, each brushstroke telling a story of our evolving narratives. Throughout the day, his tales of life in distant lands reverberated, enriching our works with a mosaic of experiences—from London's bustling streets to Iceland's tranquil landscapes. His personal journey, from the quiet village of Uttarakhand (Mounda Bangan) to the relentless pace and endless streets of metropolitan Delhi, mirrored in our artistic endeavors
Day 5:
Vision Unveiled
With renewed enthusiasm after breakfast, mentor Jagmohan Bangani introduced us to Mr. Santosh Passi, the director of Kaaya Learning Centre in Dehradun, unveiling Kaaya's profound vision. Inspired by this revelation, we once again immersed ourselves in our artistic pursuits. As dusk settled over the art studio's captivating architecture, the core team of the foundation—Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, and myself, Aakash—illuminated our individual paths through a blend of visuals and narratives. Each of us presented a slideshow detailing our artistic journeys to the participants, enriching the evening with personal insights and shared passion for art.
Day 6:
The Culmination
As the morning light emerged, we delicately applied the finishing touches to our creations, each brushstroke reflecting deep introspection and unwavering determination. By afternoon, the workshop halls had metamorphosed into a gallery of aspirations, where we meticulously curated our stories for public admiration. With dusk's arrival, guests streamed in, drawn by the irresistible allure of creativity. Jagmohan Bangani's visionary outlook for the Bangani Art Foundation resonated throughout the space, underscoring the transformative potential of collective creativity. The atmosphere swelled with joyous laughter and applause as participants were honored with well-deserved certificates, a harmonious tribute to their artistic accomplishments.
Day 7:
Homeward Bound
With hearts full of memories and canvases brimming with stories, we bid farewell to Kaaya. Each step homeward carried echoes of laughter, lessons learned, and friendships forged. The workshop had drawn to a close, but its spirit lingered—an evidence of art's enduring impact in guiding and enlightening our journeys through life.
THE PROGRAM IN NEWS
PADAV-II : Art Mentoring Program
(A Transformative Journey for Emerging Artists)
22nd to 27th Feb. 2024
at KALADHAM, THE ARTIST VILLAGE, GREATER NOIDA
The Bangani Art Foundation is thrilled to announce the selected participants for its prestigious PADAV-II Art Mentoring Program. Scheduled to take place at Kala Dham: the artist village in Greater Noida, from February 22nd to 27th, 2023, this initiative has attracted considerable interest, with 27 applications submitted from across Uttarakhand. Following meticulous deliberation, we are delighted to reveal the selection of 10 exceptional young talents.
Heartfelt congratulations to the chosen applicants. This program promises to be a transformative journey, fostering artistic growth and innovation. As we embark on this enriching endeavor, we extend our best wishes to all participants and eagerly anticipate the creative contributions that will ensue. Here's to a fulfilling and inspiring experience ahead.
Selected Participants:
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Amit Bhardwaj,
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Amit Singh
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Aparna Paneru
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Bhupendra Kumar
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Rupa Arya
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Sakshi Rawat
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Sandhya Badhani
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Akarshan Bora
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Sugam Gaur
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Aakash
A WEEK OF ARTISTIC IMMERSION
Day 1: Exploring Artistic Practices with Kalicharan Gupta
Padav-II, an art mentoring program by the Bangani Art Foundation, began yesterday at Kala Dham in Greater Noida. As part of this program, there are scheduled studio visits with practicing artists in Delhi, where the fellows have the opportunity to interact directly with the artists, learn about their art practices, and receive insightful knowledge about art. Today, we visited the studio of the esteemed senior artist, Kalicharan Gupta, who generously shared his insights about art with all the participating fellows of Padav-II.
Day 2: Enriching Artistic Journeys with Abhijit Pathak
Bangani Art Foundation is delighted to share the exciting news that participants of the PADAV-II Art Mentorship Program had the privilege of visiting the studio space of contemporary artist Abhijit Pathak. Abhijit's generosity in imparting his valuable insights has undeniably enriched the artistic journey of our participants.
Abhijit Pathak excels in creating large-scale mixed media abstract art, utilizing a diverse array of materials including colored pencil, charcoal, pigments, paper, cloth, canvas, wood, sand, and metal. Influenced by his surroundings – encompassing people, places, architecture, urban and rural scenes, as well as elements of mysticism – he draws inspiration from the environment, music, and sound in his creations.
Day 3: Immersing in Delhi's Artistic Richness
Delhi is a bustling hub of cultural richness, boasting a diverse array of artistic venues awaiting exploration, each serving as a canvas for boundless creative expression. Recognizing the potential for inspiration, the Bangani Art Foundation (BAF) orchestrated a pivotal initiative for all participants of PADAV-II, guiding them through a curated tour of esteemed art institutions across the city. The overarching aim was simple yet profound: to ignite and invigorate their artistic passions.
This journey led the budding artists to renowned destinations such as the National Gallery of Modern Art, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Triveni Kala Sangam, Lalit Kala Akademi, Bikaner House, Garhi Artist Studio, and Delhi College of Art. Of notable significance was the Delhi College of Art, hosting its annual exhibition, offering a valuable opportunity for interaction within the vibrant student art community.
Day 4: Gaining Insights from Jagdish Chander and Ingrid Pitzer
BAF has organized a special art talk for PADAV-II with two famous artists, Jagdish Chander and Ingrid Pitzer, both working in Delhi. Jagdish Chander is known for his bold and large-scale faces in his artwork, while Ingrid Pitzer creates art using paper made from natural fibers. The profound insights shared by these artists have offered a fresh perspective on the current artistic endeavors of these emerging talents. Their deep understanding of art has opened up new avenues of thought, shaping the ongoing artistic practices of these promising individuals.
Studio Visit with Esteemed Photographer Avinash Aggarwal and Young promising artist Aditi Aggarwal.
As part of the program, the fellows had the privilege of visiting the studio of the esteemed senior photographer, Mr. Avinash Aggarwal, known for his work at @studio_a89, STUDIO-89. During this visit, Mr. Aggarwal generously shared his expertise and insights into various photography techniques, enriching the knowledge and skills of all participating fellows.
Furthermore, we visited the studio space of Aditi Aggarwal, where she generously shared her thoughts on her current art projects, inspiring everyone who attended. Her artistic journey proved to be both interesting and captivating, creating a space for creative sharing that left a lasting impression on all who participated in this special experience.
Day 5: Insights from Studio Visits: Engaging with Prem Singh and Tejinder Kanda
As part of the Padav-II program, fellows engaged in an academic exploration of artistic practices through scheduled studio visits with established artists in Delhi. These visits are designed to provide participants with direct exposure to the creative methodologies of experienced practitioners, offering an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices.
Today’s visit included a valuable session with renowned senior artists Prem Singh and Tejinder Kanda. During these interactions, the artists imparted significant insights into their artistic processes and philosophies. Their contributions were instrumental in broadening the participants' perspectives and advancing their artistic development. The knowledge shared during these sessions has been integral in enriching the fellows’ comprehension of art, thereby furthering their scholarly and practical engagement with the field.
Reflecting on a Week of Artistic Growth
The art mentorship program "Padav-II," organized by the Bangani Art Foundation, began successfully on February 22nd. We received 27 applications from across Uttarakhand and carefully selected 10 participants for the "Padav-II" program for the year 2024. The objective of "Padav-II" is to introduce emerging artists from Uttarakhand to the art world of our capital city. The participants spent a week at Studio 39 "Kaladham" in Greater Noida (Delhi NCR) and visited major art institutions in Delhi, including the Kiran Nadar Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalit Kala Academy, Delhi College of Art, Triveni Kala Sangam, Garhi Studio etc. Visits to artists' private studios were particularly inspiring for young talents as they could engage directly with the artists and observe their artwork. We believe this experience was invaluable for their artistic growth and development.
Acknowledgements and Appreciation
The Bangani Art Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed artists Jagdish Chander Sir, Kalicharan Gupta Sir, Prem Singh Sir, Avinash Aggarwal Sir, Ingrid Pitzer, Abijit Pathak, Tejinder Kanda, Aditi Aggarwal, Perdeep Chauhan, and Sunita Chauhan for graciously sharing their time and expertise with the participants of the BAF's PADAV-2 program.
Furthermore, the Foundation deeply values the contributions of its Core Team Members, namely Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, Aakash, and Amit Singh, whose dedicated efforts have played a crucial role in the success of the "Padav-II" initiative. Additionally, special appreciation is extended to artist Kaveri Chauhan for her exceptional photography/videography work for the program.
Their unwavering commitment and insightful input have significantly enriched the program, elevating its effectiveness and overall quality. The Bangani Art Foundation expresses profound gratitude to each individual for their invaluable support and dedication. Lastly, a special mention of gratitude goes to Aakash for creating an exceptional video for PADAV-II.
PADAV : ART MENTORING PROGRAM
(A Transformative Journey for Emerging Artists)
11th to 15th June 2023 at KAAYA LEARNING CENTRE, DEHRADUN
The "PADAV: Art Mentoring Program 2023" commenced on June 11, 2023, at the Kaya Learning Center in Dehradun. This program is dedicated to mentoring 20 emerging artists from Uttarakhand, under the guidance of Jagmohan Bangani, the founder of the Bangani Art Foundation. Over a five-day period, the program aims to provide intensive guidance and training, facilitated by the Kaya Learning Center, which is renowned for its emphasis on experiential learning in a natural environment. The initiative prioritizes hands-on learning and interactive exchanges between the mentor and participants, offering insights into various aspects of contemporary art. The overarching goal is to enhance the participants' artistic practices and broaden their understanding of contemporary art within a global context. Applications for the fellowship were solicited through an online advertisement on April 21, 2023. The response was substantial, with 56 applications received.
A distinguished five-member jury, comprising Associate Professor Pradeep Chauhan from Delhi College of Art, Sculptor Sunita Chauhan, Painter Satya Sai Mothadka, Artist Punam Sharma, and Contemporary Artist Jagmohan Bangani, conducted a thorough review of the applications. Following the evaluation, 20 young artists were selected for the "PADAV" program. The selected participants hail from diverse regions within Uttarakhand, including Almora, Pithoragarh, Pauri Garhwal, Rudrapur, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Champawat, and Tehri Garhwal. This diverse cohort represents a broad spectrum of artistic skills and backgrounds, and the program is designed to foster their growth and enhance their abilities through the mentorship provided.
DAY 1
SESSION 1:
STRETCHING CANVASES
Attaching a canvas to a stretcher is a fundamental skill for artists. The participants had the opportunity to observe this process firsthand, allowing them to gain practical experience. This session aimed to provide artists with greater control over the quality and dimensions of their work. Artist Jagmohan Bangani emphasized the importance of this technique, recalling his introduction to stretching canvases during his master's program at Winchester School of Arts. The hands-on practice provided in this session was intended to build confidence and competence in this essential aspect of art-making.
SESSION 2:
CREATE YOUR OWN CANVASES
DAY 2
SESSION 1:
MENTOR’S JOURNEY (PART 1)
In this intimate session, artist Jagmohan Bangani recounted his personal journey from growing up in a remote village in Uttarkashi to pursuing art education and professional development. His narrative highlighted the challenges he faced and the perseverance required to achieve his goals. The participants found his story relatable and inspiring, reflecting on their own experiences in light of his journey.
SESSION 2:
MENTOR’S JOURNEY (PART 2)
Artist Jagmohan Bangani presented a comprehensive slideshow depicting the evolution of his artistic practice over time. The presentation showcased his progression from early sketching and figurative work to more complex pieces. This session emphasized the importance of a research-oriented approach in art and encouraged participants to explore and innovate rather than merely replicate existing styles.
Following the demonstration, participants were given wooden stretchers and canvas rolls. They measured, cut, and stretched the canvas over the wooden frames, using staple guns and other tools. This session allowed the participants to apply their newly acquired skills in a practical setting.
SESSION 3:
INDIVIDUAL ART JOURNEY TO PADAV
The day concluded with a brief introduction session where each participant shared their artistic inspirations and backgrounds. This exercise facilitated an understanding of each artist's unique journey and motivations, setting the stage for further collaborative learning.
DAY 3
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS WITH A MENTOR
On the third day, participants engaged in personalized one-on-one sessions with mentors Jagmohan Bangani and Punam Sharma. Each artist presented their past works, ongoing projects, and future aspirations for in-depth review. The mentors offered tailored feedback to help artists refine their techniques, navigate creative challenges, and explore new directions in their practice. These sessions provided valuable insights and guidance, encouraging artists to enhance their unique voices and perspectives. The constructive discussions fostered a collaborative learning environment, allowing participants to grow both technically and conceptually in their artistic journeys.
EVENING GUEST SESSION
with "NIDHI PANTA" ON ART MARKETS
Nidhi Panta, an experienced Art Advisory, Art Sales expert, and Art Strategist, as well as the director of Solidus Arts, shared her insights into the art market. She discussed the key dynamics involving buyers, investors, collectors, galleries, and auctions. Her session covered essential topics such as current market trends, effective pricing strategies, and how to leverage agencies to boost the visibility and sales of artwork. This informative discussion provided valuable knowledge for artists and art professionals seeking to navigate and succeed in the evolving art world.
DAY 4
INDIVIDUAL TECHNICAL SESSIONS: MENTORING ON ART
The mentor’s role involved assessing each participant’s previous work, identifying their natural inclinations, and providing tailored guidance. This hands-on evaluation aimed to refine their artistic skills and address specific areas for improvement.
SESSION 2:
MENTOR'S ART JOURNEY (PART 3)
The second part of Mr. Bangani’s presentation focused on his transition from figurative to abstract art. This segment highlighted the challenges and breakthroughs he experienced while pursuing his master’s degree at Winchester School of Art. The session aimed to inspire participants to embrace new directions in their own artistic practices.
SESSION 3:
ART JOURNEY OF PUNAM SHARMA
Punam Sharma, director of the Bangani Art Foundation, delivered a presentation highlighting her experimental approach to art. She emphasized personal exploration as essential for artists, contrasting with structured artistic paths. Her journey, characterized by unorthodox techniques and intuitive experimentation, showcased the importance of embracing uncertainty and creativity. Sharma's narrative illustrated how spontaneous inspirations and serendipitous discoveries contribute to an artist's development. She encouraged all participants to view the creative process as an ongoing journey, where missteps lead to deeper understanding. Her presentation concluded with applause, underscoring her message that true artistry lies in continuous evolution and personal exploration.
VISUALIZING CREATIVE IMMERSION:
THE ESSENCE OF THE PROGRAM
The photographs documenting participants in the Padav Art Mentoring Program provide a compelling visual record of artists deeply engaged in their creative practices. These images offer an insightful representation of the program's dynamic environment, where each participant demonstrates a focused commitment to their work, whether through painting, sketching, or sculpting. The candid nature of the photographs reveals not only the participants' dedication to their craft but also the intrinsic satisfaction and joy they derive from the creative process.
The program’s structure fosters artistic exploration, encouraging participants to experiment with new techniques and push the boundaries of their artistic expression. The photographs capture the palpable energy of this learning environment, highlighting moments of collaboration and the exchange of ideas as participants engage with diverse media. Smiles and expressions of concentration reflect the balance between rigor and enjoyment within the creative process.
Moreover, these visual records underscore the passion each artist brings to their work, further emphasizing the program's focus on mentorship and community-building. The collective engagement and mutual support seen in these photographs encapsulate the essence of the Padav Art Mentoring Program, reflecting its role in nurturing artistic growth and promoting a spirit of exploration.
DAY 5
CLOSING SESSION
ART EXHIBITION & INTERACTION WITH GUESTS
The final day culminated in an art exhibition at the Kaya Learning Center, where participants showcased their works. The exhibition setup and subsequent leisure activities, including a party, fostered a sense of community and celebration. The event provided an opportunity for participants to display their talents and strengthen connections within the artistic community, marking a fulfilling conclusion to the program.