Wood carving exchange workshop concludes

DIMAPUR — The Lanna-Thailand and Nagaland Wood Carving exchange workshop, in collaboration with the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), concluded on Thursday. The exchange workshop was held form October 24 to November 7.

Speaking at the closing ceremony as the chief guest, MLA and chairman of Tseminyu DPDB, Jwenga Seb, said that art and architecture have long served as powerful means of communication, bridging gaps between people of diverse languages, cultures, traditions, costumes and ways of life since ancient time.

He stated that the event was not only interesting and inspiring but also truly beneficial. Although people might be divided by country, state and religion, he stated that one could understand the language through the art. According to him, ‘art is nothing but a medium to communicate.’

He pointed out that there are only a few dedicated art lovers and practitioners, but the field of art and architecture offer limitless opportunities and added that the beauty of art lies in its power to bring imagination and dreams to life.

He mentioned that the collaboration was an eye-opener for art lovers who have yet to explore the vast world of art and architecture.

Also read: Thai, Naga artists carve cultural connections in Dimapur

While interacting with media persons, Wipawee Panjinda, a lecturer in the Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts of Chiang Mai University, said that cultural exchange workshop has provided an excellent opportunity for both Naga and Thai artists to collaborate in a wood carving workshop, fostering creativity and mutual learning.

Panjinda shared that the first three days were allotted to interact and explore the scenic beauty of Nagaland together. She added that they have discussed on how the simple workshop could effectively represent the cultures of both Nagaland and Thailand.

She mentioned that one challenge was language barrier as the Thai artists spoke mostly Thai and knew little English. She, however, stated that arts transcended language and other barriers, allowing them for meaningful connection beyond words.

She said that although the time was brief, the artists accomplished what they felt was their best work within few days they had together and added that through the exchange programme, they not only shared the purpose behind their art but also learned various wood carving techniques.

She mentioned that Naga wood carving are more inclined to tradition, whereas Thai carving focuses on intricate decorative details.

At the event short speech was delivered by the director of NEZCC, Dr. Prashanna Gogoi, while Naga artist Mhasiselhu Viyie and Thai artist Peerapong Doungkaew shared their experiences of the workshop.

The programme concluded with distribution of certificate to the artists.