Thoh Shun Art Camp 2025 in Jaintia Hills
The Thoh Shun Art Camp 2025 was held at Moopynïeiñ Heritage Centre, Krangshuri, Amlarem Jaintia Hills from 18 to 24 December, 2025. In commemoration of the eighty fifth death anniversary of Soso Tham, the art camp was inaugurated by Dr Janak Jhankar Narzari, eminent sculptor and former Principal of Kala Bhavan, Viswa Bharati University, Santiniketan. Altogether there were five participants from Santiniketan Kala Bhavan Praktoni and nine artists from Riti Academy. In his inaugural address, Dr Narzari appreciated the topographical contours of the Khasi Jaintia environment and compare them with the 19th century art like the verdant landscape paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and other Renaissance masters. He said that Meghalaya is blessed with magnificent nature that could substitute an institution for aspiring artists to derive inspiration and motivation.
The participants include Haren Thakur from Jharkhand, u Thyiam Debendra Singh of Manipur, Kantha Reddy from Hyderabad, Paran Banti Devi, and Riti Academy deputed artists, Banteilang Hynniewta, Returnwell Sutong, Phaibhakupar Kharlukhi, Baniarjingmut G Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Clive Steven Kharphuli, Rickyshi Suiam, Minakshee Roy and Manoj Roy. The artwork by Dr Janak Jhankar Narzary portray resentment over the structural construction in the pristine natural heritage of Jaintia Hills, while most of the other artists had their subjective expression, with majority of the participants were overwhelmed by the natural landscape as they conveyed their impression on the aesthetics of the environment.
As part of the cultural exchange programme the artists were taken to the Megalithic complex at Nartiang monolithic garden during the day and the evening had folk music performances by Dalariti Gratel Kharnaior and her band. The entertainment session was also presented by Rembrandt I Kharnaior and Refulgent Kharnaior, while everybody danced with excitement including the celebrated Dr Janak Jhankar Narzari. Towards the winding up of the art camp, an exhibition of the artworks are on display till the end of the year, with the solemn commemoration of 163rd Kiang Nangbah day on the 30th December, 2025 to culminate with the launch of the sculpture project to be executed by Riti Academy, even as Banteilang Hynniewta and Returnwell Sutong are being engaged in the making of a sample sculpture of the greatest freedom fighter of the state. The colossal sculpture project is slated to complete by the end of the year with the funding being contributed by well-wishers.
During an informal interaction, participating artists shared their impressions of the unique art camp hosted by Riti Academy of Visual Arts. The programme is being supported by NEEPCO Ltd, along with other well-wishers, and includes a commitment for continued engagement through the Arts and Culture Department of the Government of Meghalaya and the INTACH Meghalaya Chapter.
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