ADMIRABLE: Visitors looking at the painting displayed at Government College for Fine Arts in Kumbakonam on Thursday. —

KUMBAKONAM:

Independence day is an occasion for celebration. The Government Fine Arts College thought it fit to celebrate in a different manner. It has organised a three-day painting exhibition by its students and a competition for school students of Kumbakonam. The exhibition and competition were inaugurated at the college campus here on Thursday. While paintings of the college students were displayed in the exhibition, hundreds of school students participated in the painting competition.

V.Thilagam, Sub-Judge, Kumbakonam inaugurated the exhibition.

The paintings on display depicted social themes like the need to protect arts that are on the verge of extinction, evils of smoking and drinking, the need to save water, etc. Painting with story, telling values, photography, portrait, terracotta, paintings depicting surrealism and illusion were also on display.

Thenmozhi, a student of the college, has drawn a Kolam with 1.50 lakh dots for an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records, she said.

G. Senguttuvan, Revenue Divisional Officer, Kumbakonam inaugurated the paintings for school children. Students from Saraswathi Padasala and Vallalar Higher Secondary School and other schools participated in the competition. They chose themes like global warming, environment protection and various developments that have taken place in independent India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhenuka, art critic, highlighted the opportunities available for fine arts college students in this modern high tech era. Graphic animation, editing, art direction, visual communication, documentaries offer wide scope for fine arts students. They can use their imagination and shine in these fields.

India has a tradition of 2000 years of art and culture. Big Temple at Thanjavur is an architectural marvel. He said that Kumbakonam Fine Arts College produced many artists.

Vidyashankar Sthpathi, who has been selected as resident nominee by Lalith Kala Academy, was a former Principal of the college.