Shimla
The week-long ‘Impressions & Expressions—HC Rai Memorial Art Fest—2024’ concluded on a triumphant and joyful note, leaving a lasting impression on both the artists and visitors. Many of the participating artists expressed excitement and vowed to return with even more engaging and innovative works next year, particularly focused on nurturing emerging young talent. The event featured art from four generations, beginning with the iconic HC Rai, followed by his students and their successors, with notable contributions from artists such as Prof. Him Chatterjee, Prof. Ranjan Mallik, Kewal Krishna Kamra, Jagjit Singh, Danny Balbir Singh, and Aditya Singh Thakur.
Amala Rai, Secretary of Abhivyakti, highlighted the success of the festival, reporting an average of 600–700 visitors daily, showcasing its wide appeal among art lovers. Many pieces found buyers, with sales of paintings and sculptures totaling approximately Rs. 3,00,000. She expressed her gratitude to the patrons, noting that the enthusiasm of buyers provides immense encouragement to the artists, demonstrating that true art resonates in the hearts of those who appreciate it.
One of the event’s highlights was the live portrait sketches by artist Jagjit Nishant, which were a big hit with visitors. His sketches alone generated nearly Rs. 20,000 in sales.
