Shillong: August 15, 2020: The Crystal Award 2020 for Excellence in Visual Arts was conferred upon Mario Pathaw by the State Governor, Mr Tathagata Roy at Raj Bhavan today after unveiling the portrait of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and the cultural paintings unveiled by the First Lady, Mrs Anuradha Roy. The Governor appreciated the effort of Riti Academy of Visual Arts for promotion of art and lauded the relentless pursuit of its Chairman, Raphael Warjri for the outstanding artworks that have adorned the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan. The award was conferred in memory of Crystal Gayle Kharnaïor, the theatre artiste that had passed away in 2017.
The ceremony was conducted by Raphael Warjri in the presence of Secretary to the Governor, Mr Pravin Bakshi, officials and staff of Raj Bhavan. In his address, Warjri expressed gratitude to the Governor for considering the Award function at Raj Bhavan in spite of the current fragile situation due to the COVID 19 pandemic. He wanted to place on record that the pictures at Raj Bhavan were painted along with his talented apprentices, Skhemlang Hynñiewta and Denis Marbañiang.
The meritorious award received by Pascal Mario Kmenlang Pathaw is the outcome of his dedication to art that he had grasped enormous amount of folk knowledge on Khasi cultural heritage and is well versed with the various elements of the contemporary society. It is observed that the family legacy is instrumental to nurturing and cultivating positive vibes that have motivated and inspired his works to attain commendable impact and excellence. The creative and original presentation of his graphic novel, film and other visual storytelling assignments is a testimony of his passion, dedication and distinction of his performance. Mario Pathaw is an IIT, Bombay Post-Graduate Degree holder in Master of Design and Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and is an ardent expert of innovative and aesthetic deliverance.
In recognition of his outstanding role to the growth and progress of the prospective entity of Khasi visual culture and folk heritage, Riti Academy shortlisted his name among few nominees to honour his contribution with the Crystal Gayle Memorial Award 2020 for Excellence in Visual Arts.
In commemoration of the auspicious event, an Art Gallery and Exhibition of Mario Pathaw artworks was inaugurated by Mr F R Kharkongor, IAS, Commissioner Secretary Arts and culture at the newly opened MAD Gallery, Jaiaw Langsning. In his inaugural speech, Kharkongor spoke at length on the various aspects of visual art as a cultural expression and suggested for the formulation of the Art and Culture policy. As part of the exhibition, Mr Frederick D Hynñiewta, an expert of Art History delivered the lecture on the relevance of art with society and acknowledged the significance of the new National Education Policy, which stressed on the importance of art and culture in academic education. The MAD Gallery of Riti Academy is being patronised by Mrs Saihun Phanbuh of Kay Eem Dee Children Centre. The Exhibition is open to public till Saturday next, the 22nd August, 2020.