Chandigarh, June 30: Under the helm of its new President celebrated artist Diwan Manna, Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi is turning a new leaf and starting afresh with host of interesting events.
Addressing a press conference at its Sector 16 office at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Diwan Manna announced that the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi has introduced annual Sohan Qadri Fellowship of Rs 2 lakh. Manna introduced artist Jaswinder Singh from village Mehandipur, Khanna, as its first ever recipient. A total of 21 artists from Punjab and Chandigarh had applied for this Fellowship.
47 year old, Jaswinder Singh does his artistic practice in the discipline of Sculpture in his Studio in village, Mehandipur. He is a BFA and MFA from Govt. College of Art, Chandigarh and has been teaching at various institutions including his alma mater. Most of his sculptures are in wood but he also works in stone and other mediums. Jaswinder has been commissioned to make some murals as well.
This is the first time that Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi has started this Fellowship to promote and recognise talented artists of Punjab.
The Fellowship is being sponsored by Sohan Qadri Foundation. Qadri was a well known artist of Punjabi origin having strong connections with his motherland. He received his art education from Government College of Art, Chandigarh. His daughter Purvi Qadri, who lives in Canada, has sponsored this Fellowship at the initiative of Diwan Manna, artist and President Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi.
