TRADITION, TECHNIQUE AND TRANSFORMATION: UNDERSTANDING THE ART PRACTICE OF MAIRANG

This paper examines the introduction and integration of the fine arts within the Mairang community. Mairang is a quiet village in the Eastern West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India. Mairang has recently been declared the ‘Art district’ of Meghalaya due to the growing popularity of fine arts practices among the community. Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote visual art in Mairang by local trained artists and students of fine arts studying at various art institutions in India. The Government of Meghalaya also appreciates these initiatives and has been encouraging local artists to ramp up their efforts. The government of Meghalaya has initiated several grants and projects for Mairang. The paper highlights the cultural enrichment, social cohesion, and local development in the context of fine/visual arts, as well as its awareness among the local community. It discusses the community engagement in art education and the creative practice of fine arts, exploring the efforts made by young, trained artists in revitalising traditional values and fostering new forms of self-expression that lead to collective identity.