SIMA Annual Exhibition 2017
The Society of Indian Marine Artists (SIMA) , held its annual exhibition of seascapes at Balgandharva Kala Dalan at Pune for three days from 8ht Feb to 10th Feb. Mr Atul Khanna , a well known Industrialist of Pune, inaugurated the Exhibition as the chief guest . 52 seascapes, painted by 23 members of SIMA, were on display.
Commodore Rajan Vir, President of SIMA, in his welcome address he spoke about the genesis of SIMA, it was set up in 2002 under the aegis of IMF to kindle and encourage interest in marine art among our painters, in keeping with our overall aim of raising awareness about the oceans in our people and to try to make them sea-minded, a major maritime sub-continental nation that India is.
The oceans are dynamic and touch our lives in numerous ways. Besides, an ocean happens to be named after a country, India, because Indians have been seafaring since ancient times. Evidence of Indian history and the influence of our culture can be found in many countries, he explained. Since its inception, SIMA has held many workshops and exhibitions for its members, in Pune as well as in Mumbai. It publishes a half-yearly newsletter, Oyster, edited by a senior member, Mr Shailesh Sonawane.
Mr Atul Khanna is known for developing the knowledge industry and building a knowledge corridor between Europe and India. For his outstanding contribution in promoting business development between Finland and India, Mr Khanna was knighted by the President of Finland, a rare honour indeed. He has received a lifetime achievement award from the Deccan Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Khanna, as he walked around he evinced great interest in the paintings while mingling with the artists and he delighted everyone by purchasing one painting. In his brief address, he congratulated SIMA members on the many interesting seascapes on display and for the yeoman work they are doing to bring the sea to Pune!
It was heart warming that a huge number of art admirers visited the exhibition during those three days, leaving behind 22 pages of appreciative comments in the visitors book.
