Ahmedabad:Over the last 3 years, Abir’s annual show ‘First Take’ has become synonymous with an art contest to watch out for among the budding artists from all quarters of the country. Keeping up with the rising popularity among art connoisseurs, artists and patrons, Abir First Take 2018 opened its doors at L&P Hutheesing Visual Art Centre as it showcased 111 par excellence artworks shortlisted from 1922 entries. Unlike last two years where there were only 5 winners, this year Abir has announced 10 winners to encourage more number of artists across India. Selected by an illustrious jury, the works of outstanding artistry will be on display from October 27-November 2, 2018 from 4—8 pm.

Aniket Bhagwat, renowned landscape artist and Mr.Arjun Handa, Vice Chairman and MD Claris Group were present as the Chief Guest and Guest of honour respectively to applaud the winners and felicitate them.

Neelima Nath OP and Akbar Ali Sunasara bagged an award in etching whereas Deepika Sakhat won in painting and Mayadhara Sahu received an award in sculpture. All these four winners hail from Vadodara, one of the inimitable hub for art in India. Eastern part of the country rich in art and culture made its presence felt through three winners – Suvendu Bhandari in painting from Seoraphuly, Souvik Das and Arjun Das both from Kolkatta in sculpture. Ram Yadav from Allahabad and Ayushi Sainni from Delhi bagged awards in painting marking the presence of North India whereas Dhaneesh T from Mavelikara, Kerala won an award in painting category.

Eminent jury comprising of Ravinder Reddy (National award winning eminent Sculptor), homegrown veteran talent Amit Ambalal (Painter & Sculptor) and Vijay Bagodi (expert in Etching, Woodcuts, Lithographs, Serigraphs and Monoprints) were present at the inauguration to interact with the budding artists and felicitate the winners .

Conceived by renowned natural dye exponent Ms. Ruby Jagrut, Abir has been efficaciously bringing forth brilliant artists to main stream from different nooks and corners of the country for three years in a row. 1922 entries were received this year from 189 cities for Abir’s 3rd edition; a standing testimony to the rising faith in a platform conceptualized to bridge the gap between budding artists and main-stream art connoisseurs.

Abir has been helping artists achieve their potential by providing them right exposure besides offering mentorship. Elaborating on the number of artworks submitted from across the nation and Abir’s rise to popularity, Padmashri awardee Muzaffar Ali shared his message via email, “It is most heartening to see talent converging at First Take from all over the country. Each received artwork was so mature and though-out that it was difficult to choose the best of the lot. Ruby’s raw organic vision of understanding art drives the spirit of Abir as the most grassroots movement in national aesthetics. In fact, I see Ahmedabad becoming synonymous with Abir someday.”

Ravinder Reddy, renowned sculptor, was looking for more entries in ceramics and sculptures and thus laid bare his observations adding, “It is encouraging to see such a good response from all corners of India for Abir First Take 2018. Drawings and prints stood out among all entries. However, there’s not as much participation in the sculptures and ceramics category, probably due to logistics of shipping. I urge Abir committee members to provide some kind of incentives for sculptors and ceramicists to be able to participate in future Abir exhibitions,” added jury member, Ravinder Reddy.

Having gained colossal status among the burgeoning art fraternity in India, Abir First Take is being supported by eminent artists across the country. Ruby has been working steadfastly towards her mission to scout talent and provide means and exposure early on in their life; a resource that she missed during her early days in art. “I am both happy and proud to see First Take becoming bigger and better as an idea. It is bringing to the fore quality art and the heart-warming diversity of artists. With entries coming from 40 cities in the maiden edition to 190 cities in the third, Abir has come a long way. The winning works bring to us amazing journeys of imagination and nostalgia from different geographies. As we get more support from art lovers and patrons, we are also growing in our conviction,” said Ruby Jagrut at the inaugural exhibition of First Take 2018.

The exhibition, open for sale, will be open from October 27-November 2, 2018 at L&P Hutheesing Visual Art Centre from 4 pm to 8 pm.

DeshGujarat