Nagpur: The campus of Govt College of Art and Design, near Deekshabhoomi, came alive with the rhythmic impressions of printmakers from across India. Titled “Nagpuri Imprint”, the grand portfolio exchange programme and exhibition began on Friday amid a gathering of seasoned and emerging artists. The exhibition will continue till April 9.
Jointly organised by GCAD, Orange Atelier India, and SK Bakre Memorial Society, the exhibition celebrates the diverse language of printmaking and its resurgence in Nagpur’s evolving art landscape.
The inaugural function saw the presence of renowned printmaker Dr Manisha Patil and senior artist Prabhakar Patil as chief guests. Lauding the initiative, Dr Patil expressed confidence that Nagpur, with its rising printmaking energy, could soon emerge as a significant hub in the country — joining the likes of Vadodara, Santiniketan, and Delhi.
Veteran artists and workshop mentors Chandrakant Channe, Dr Vishwanath Sable, and Milind Limbekar graced the occasion, emphasising the need for continuous dialogue between senior and contemporary voices in the field. “We are witnessing the birth of a distinct identity in printmaking through works of Nagpur’s artists,” said Channe. “This initiative goes beyond just art — it is the city’s cultural statement.”
Chandrashekhar Waghmare of Orange Atelier, who played a key role in curating and conceptualising the programme, shed light on the creative intent and organisational effort behind the workshops and portfolio exchange. “We are committed to fostering a thriving ecosystem for young printmakers in Nagpur,” he assured.
The ‘Nagpuri Imprint’ project includes 1,200 prints created by 28 artists from Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi. These works were compiled into an exclusive exchange portfolio distributed to all participating artists during the inauguration. The diverse styles and expressions in the prints reflect both tradition and innovation, from intaglio and lithography to experimental forms.
Noteworthy contributions in planning and execution came from artists Milind Atkale, Abhishek Chourasiya, Akshay Tijare, Kishore Ingle, Mangesh Kapse, and Shruti Waghmare. Anchored by Vinod Chavan, the event was a true artist-led celebration — built on collaboration, expression, and shared experiences.
