By Saqlain Beig
While peeking into history books, one can find nestled in the valley of Kashmir, some flourishing musical and artistic traditions, all the way from ancient times — which is evident from instruments, sculptures, miniatures belonging to the time around the 2nd century. The art, music, and art forms have constantly evolved; passing through phases which were rich, both culturally and aesthetically.
This tradition of artistry began to morph into a flourishing academic scene when J&K Academy of Culture, Art and Languages introduced Music and Fine Arts as “Hobby Classes” during the mid-60s. Upon the success of this initiative, the department was taken over by the University. Gradually, these classes evolved, going from becoming a diploma course to getting affiliated to the University of Kashmir in the late-70s and thereafter becoming full-fledged degree courses (BFA, MFA).
The Institute of Music and Fine Art (IMFA), at first, had a dual control system; the university controlled the academic portion, and the Academy of Culture controlled the other aspects of administration and control. In 2010, finally, the University took over complete control of the department. All this said, the department can be seen as an institution — in itself — within an institution.
The department has a number of good courses in fine arts, applied arts, painting, and sculpture. In music it offers, Vocal, Tabla, Sitar, Santoor Classical, and Santoor Sufiyana courses. The primary goal is to cultivate a creative mindset among students, and to harbor critical thinking in forms of artistic expression and an awareness of aesthetics. Bundled with this, it creates a creatively rich atmosphere for students to succeed as learners and professionals, while ensuring that there is enough cultural exposure and community engagement.
The department has been prescribed to not take more than ten students in each discipline, which contrary to what one may think, has been a good decision. It ensures that there is more individual attention, so the faculty can cater to each of the students’ creative uniqueness. Hence’ there’s an intake capacity of thirty students in Fine Arts and fifty in Music.
IMFA is always on its toes to host events and holds a number of competitions as well as workshops throughout the year. Students regularly participate in state, national and international level exhibitions and art camps. These students have to their credit several awards and residencies at art institutions as well.
As per a conversation with the HOD of Fine Arts, the department doesn’t apply the constraint of giving out a number of themes, rather, the focus is on the natural artistic tendencies of the students, letting them express themselves freely, all the while aiding them in the pursuit. As for collections, a wide array has been collected over time, all the way from traditional, and culturally motivated subject matter to bold and modern art.
As far as IMFA alumni are concerned, there are many notable ones, including people who now teach at prestigious colleges, like JMI, and AMU. Most of Kashmir’s influential artists are alumni of this institute, going all the way back to personalities like Masood Hussain.
Respect is due to the institution, being the only such we know of; it is breath of fresh air for the creative youth of Kashmir. The education in art or music from this institution has always had a major impact on the artistic scene of the valley. The inherent aesthetic richness of Kashmir and its culture surely shines when bright and creative young people dip it into their own nuanced creativity; which is again, the result of an established institution such as IMFA.
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