STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The grand Swadeshi Mela, organised by the BJP at Bahu Plaza, became a vibrant centre of culture and creativity as Budha Art & Painting, Shastri Nagar, led by talented artists Meenakshi Chaubey and Muskan Gupta, presented a striking modern art exhibition that drew wide appreciation from visitors and art lovers alike. The Swadeshi Mela was organised with the aim of promoting local products and empowering artisans, craftsmen and traders associated with indigenous industries. It seeks to strengthen the local socio-economic framework while encouraging entrepreneurship and self-employment at the grassroots level. In this inspiring setting, Meenakshi and Muskan stood out with their refined artistic vision and innovative expression.
Both artists are already recognised achievers, being the First and Second Prize winners of the UT Artisan Award-2024 in the Modern Art category. Their participation at the Swadeshi Mela further highlighted their growing influence in the contemporary art world.
Meenakshi Chaubey showcased a breathtaking painting of Lord Krishna, capturing the divine charm and spiritual depth of one of India’s most revered deities. Krishna, worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and as a supreme being in his own right, has been the focus of devotion, poetry, music and painting for centuries. Meenakshi’s artwork beautifully reflected this rich heritage, portraying Krishna’s mystique, compassion and divine grace with exceptional artistic sensitivity. Muskan Gupta impressed visitors with her creative Egyptian Goddess Isis coffee painting. Isis, known as the symbol of ideal femininity and protector of women, mothers and children, was portrayed through the rare and artistic medium of coffee. Coffee painting, a unique technique inspired by ancient traditions, adds a warm sepia tone and a distinctive depth to the artwork. Muskan’s use of this medium, combined with the traditional Egyptian art style, created a truly captivating visual experience. Together, Meenakshi and Muskan not only showcased technical excellence but also demonstrated how art can bridge cultures, history and modern expression.