Shillong has always reflected art in its music, architecture, in its culture and in its people. With special reference to visual arts, the number of artists in Shillong is rapidly rising. Courtesy of the enormous potential talent it holds. Influence and inspiration is a big factor into becoming an artist. Shillong with its beautiful and charming geographical setting, its cultures and its people provide more for an artist. All these combined with the gift and talent of an artist creates a beautiful work of art. An escape to a different world, a world of fantasy. It is the inextricable bond that an artist shares with his art that liberates him from the real world. It sets him free and gives him peace of mind. Art in Shillong is also a powerful mode of expression reflecting the lives of the people living here. One of the recent examples is the paintings we can see on the walls along I.G.P point and the State Central Library, reflecting the state’s political status.

The present art scenario in Shillong is evolving and growing constantly. The future of art in Shillong is quite promising. The city in its recent times has taken up initiatives to promote art by establishing museums and including fine arts courses in its education system. Besides these, schools and colleges and other institutions organize competitions to promote the same and create awareness on various issues concerning the society through art. To add more to it, tattoo shops, quite a handful in number have also opened up in the city. The city has also held many art festivals. Such as the Shillong Calm Fest 2012 co-organized by Book Mark and the East Khasi Hills Arts and Cultural Society and the 9th National Art Festival organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, National Academy of Art, New Delhi. North-Eastern Hill University has also been concerned with the art and cultural needs of the State. Thus, the Centre for Creative Arts was set up in 1977, to provide incentive to promote art appreciation and art education in the field of visual arts and performing arts. The Centre for Literary and Cultural Studies was started in 1984 to promote cultural studies, with special emphasis on folklore in the North-Eastern Region. In 1997, the above two Centre were re-structured and amalgamated into one Centre called the Centre for Cultural and Creative Studies. Besides N.E.H.U other institutions in the city are also providing fine arts courses to promote art. Also, a café “Matter of Taste” at Laitumkhrah is also promoting visual art in the city by exhibiting works of budding artists of the city. It can be said that with time the city is steadily realizing the need for popularizing art and this in turn is helping in recognition of artists in the city. Moreover, with the growing number of successful local artists making a mark in the city, the spark of fire has been lit in the minds of aspiring artists.

Though at the moment, art has yet to reach its peak in Shillong, the foundation for it has been laid strong and with the momentum it is rising, one can be optimistic about the future of art in Shillong. Shillong is already a music hub in India. Hopefully, with the support of dedicated artists and art lovers, Shillong may in future be an art destination in India.

Any work of art is subject to criticism as much as a subject of appreciation, but as a famous line from a song of Bob Dylan goes “never criticize what you can understand” for it takes more than just colors and sanity to build a bridge between reality and fantasy.

Denis Sangma

Art for generation has been an expression, portrayal or a visual representation of one’s creativity and ideas. For centuries  it is been a creation that stimulates an individual’s thoughts, emotions, beliefs or ideas through the senses .For many this has been an objective  to provide an aesthetic view and for others it has been a celebration of life.

Art has always been dominating around the globe and has always portrayed different ethnic cultures and indigenous tribes and people for many like us in the Northeast India; it has also been about our own distinct identity. There are different forms of Art and each Art has its own way of portraying ideas and through different mediums and to generalize creativity under a small sphere would itself be a crime, creativity as many say  it has no boundaries. Tattoo, which to many maybe fashion but as a matter of fact, is a unique form of art, which has been practiced for centuries all over the globe. For the Tribes of Amazon to our very own Northeast Tattoo has also been an expression of our lives society and culture. Today it has become a trend and is seen as a fashion, but for centuries it has always been more than what ‘meets the eye’.

The word Tattoo is derived from the Tahitian term “tatua,” which means “to mark” Tattoo Art has been practiced for centuries in many cultures and was used to convey messages or an idea. Technically Tattoo Art is form of body modification and alteration, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos in this 21^st century are used for self-expression, remembrance and affiliation. With new Art forms such as Digital Art and Street Art already in the drawing, Tattoo Art is seen emerging and evolving and making a mark amongst many around the world.

The same can also be applied to a beautiful region in India. North East comprises of different states and has been the hub of many ethnic culture, tradition and indigenous people and tribe. Art as such in this region has acted as a catalyst in reflecting the rich culture, heritage and the people as whole. The art of tattoo has been followed and practiced in the region since decades and have portrayed, reflected and have been passed on from generation to generation.  The Art as such is seen evolving and many youths in the region are coming forward to learn and adopt this form of art. The youth in the region consider this art as something which is very essential to their life and society.

When talked about tattoo, Arunachal Pradesh does not fall behind. Arunachal has been a region of diverse culture, heritage and art. As such Tattoo art is an integral part in the region. In recent times Traditional Tattoo Art was followed and adopted by people in the region to mark out, or identify a territory. Since then tattoo in this region is evolving and still act as a catalyst in describing the people of the region. Not to left behind be Shillong and Nagaland. Shillong a.k.a Rock Capital of India has been a domain of different genres of Art, and as such the art of tattoo is one amongst many. Many youth in the region are picking up this art form and for some it has been fashion, art and for some a source of living.  Raphael of Raphael Tattoos here in Shillong says “Tattoo Art is a very interesting form of art and a lot can be expressed through this medium. Tattoo expresses an individual creativity about the world and where he lives in.”

Naga Tattoos has a history behind, as tattoos in recent times were a rite of passage made to mark achievement, valour, bravery, beauty, identification and status in the society. It was practiced among the indigenous Naga communities of the Ao, Chang, Phom, Pochury, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Sangtam, and Yimchungru. Amongst the women tattoos were common as it represented their personality and even served them as a weapon against wild animals.  The Naga men often marked themselves as a medal awarded to a warrior for head taking and also believed that their tattoos would provide a safe passage on their journey to the afterlife. Since then and now this form of Art has been preserved and practiced among many tattoo artists in the region. Though the ancient art form is fading, but young aspiring tattoo artists in the region are trying to revive and innovate a fusion of modern and old tattoo art describing the people and its varied culture. Lemsentong Longkumer a tattoo artist in the region today professionally caters to people wishing to have a mark of art on their bodies. His art work commonly has a blend of modern and Naga touch. He plans to represent the state abroad and to expose Naga traditional art (tattoo) to foreign countries.

They say “God help those who help themselves”. The same can be applied to a young aspiring tattoo artist in Manipur. Moranngam Khaling a.k.a Mo Naga, a well qualified fashion designer, a tattoo artist has just started the first ever official tattoo training institute – in North-East India. Manipur has a vast history of tattoo art as these tattoos described the headhunters in the region. In olden days taking a head was believed to increase the fertility of the crops and the more number of heads a warrior took the more the number of tattoos he sported. Today this is not being practiced and traditional tattoos are losing its touch. Through this school Mo- Naga has taken an initiative to revive and promote the old traditional tattoo art once again. “Getting a tattoo could be the most complete experience for an individual that can be express through art, design and fashion coming together in the most meaningful way.” says Mo Naga.

The culture of tattoo art is also evolving and promising in other states in the region like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. Assam has been a hub of different religion, tribes and people. Art here reflects a lot about people their culture, living style and above all people’s opinion. Tattoo art has been a medium as such. The people in the region are evolving and can be seen adopting this form of art. Youth in the region through this art form are trying to evoke tradition and living style of people with a new modern touch. In Mizoram, Tattoos or, patterns drawn up on skin are widely prevalent among, bikers and outlaws have now become a popular body decoration for the youth in Mizoram. Tripura is the third smallest state that boasts of unmatched and unspoiled natural beauty. Located in northeastern India, it marks a distinctive combination of communities and cultures that impart an utterly ethnic charm to this state. Its people have done their best to preserve and promote the region and its diverse tradition and culture. Art has always dominated this region and as a whole promoted and popularized it. Though Tattoo Art is not a favourite amongst many here, but surely a voice has been raised which needs better channels to reach the masses.

Sikkim is the melting point of various cultures. It has emerged with its own distinct ethnicity even after being influenced by numerous cultures. Sikkim boasts of a rich culture of handicrafts. The art of tattoo in this region has not yet reached its peak, but amongst many potential young tattoo artists its future seems to be bright. Adding more various tattoo studios are emerging to promote this art form in the region. Raphael Tattoos in Shillong, Black Magic Tattoo and Piercing Studio in Nagaland, HeadHunters Ink in Guwahati are a few.

North East has the potential of young talents in every field, but all they need is a better platform and a right way to tap them. North East is known for its diverse tradition and culture and has so much to offer. The potential of youth here in the region is very vast. If given a better platform they can bring laurels, name and fame to the country. Taking a reference many youth in the region are coming forth in adopting this cool and “Y” generation form of art to make a change. For now one can be optimistic about this new form of art as the youth are taking a hand forward to arise and develop this form of art in the region. There is a great saying by- Andy Warhol that goes “someone who produces things that people don’t need to have but that he-for some reason- thinks it would be a good idea to give them.” The North East region overall has done better in music art and sports scenario and with such potential youth in the region, why not a new form of Art a.k.a Tattoo Art be a favourite amongst many.

Krishna Chutia

Here is an appeal to all the musical community (any form of music) and fans of the state to wear black badge or ribbon to show our unwillingness in a peaceful way.

We request our fans and all concern authorities to contribute their support and co-operation in re-organizing the postponed PJ. Let’s march towards future growth and unity through peaceful means.

Oinam’s PJ is all sponsored by Tiddim 34 & Friends and volunteered by Oinam Sports Association. The event will be equipped with Hills Sound Reinforcement (Senapati, Manipur) new line arrays sound consoles which are the most advanced live concert equipment in the state. Participating bands include The 3 Strings, War Machine, Pilliwinks, Crush & Burn, Hate Blood, Circumlocutory, Chem Weed F.M, Dfined, Yuthak Wah, Dark Distortion and Healing Crisis alongside Rubicons, The Wishess, Idyllics and Cleave from 3:00 pm onward.

]]> http://tntmagazine.in/the-lounge/club-muzik-to-host-power-jam-ii/feed/ 0 http://tntmagazine.in/the-lounge/with-tonikali-yepthomi-american-eagle-outfitters-2013-model/ http://tntmagazine.in/the-lounge/with-tonikali-yepthomi-american-eagle-outfitters-2013-model/#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:55:11 +0000 TNT Bureau http://tntmagazine.in/?p=862 [Full article…]]]> Here’s a story about a girl next door who joins a popular American clothing brand – American Eagle Outfitters Spring 2013 Fashion campaign “Live Your Life” contest, just to win a $500 gift card and get some new clothes for her herself and for her family and how she actually ended up becoming one Cinderella.Yes, the fairytale was not just a dream; the magical spells of distant dreams do turn into reality for people who believe in it. And that’s exactly what happened to this girl when the
stars shone on her, it was something like a make-a-wish luck every girl dreams about! Meet Tonikali Yepthomi, a native of Dimapur (Nagaland) who now resides in Belvedere, Illinois (USA) with her parents. She is one of the 12 models to be named the face of  American Eagle’s Spring 2013 campaign. Her ad campaign is also airing on LED billboards in New York City’s Times Square currently. As part of her one year contract, the 23-year-old can be seen modeling exclusive fresh outfits from the label’s teen line, including ruffled trench, trendy wardrobe, skinnies and denim-toned shorts.Tonikali gathers inspiration from everything – her travels, people around her and nature. She uses everything from canvas and pastels to customizing her own clothes. Creating is Tonikali’s way of  expressing herself and showing her individuality.”All I wanted was a gift card. After winning a $500 gift card (free clothes) through voting entry, I went shopping with my mom and younger brother at their store outlet. I was elated and happy. Then I forgot about the whole
contest, and the whole American Eagle phase. Until one day, I suddenly got a call asking if I’d like to be a part of their ad campaign? I was so excited! Of course, I said yes,” she added. “And then I got to go to Los Angeles and be a model. I even saw myself on Times Square! It’s crazy! And I feel so blessed for everything that has happened,” she says while thanking her chimed luck.Talking about her childhood, she reveals, “I did my schooling at Pine Mount School, Shillong and at Livingstone Foundation School in Dimapur and later pursued a bachelor’s degree in business at IIPM, New Delhi. Then I moved to the states to live with her parents a year ago.”Her personal style is unique and individual. Tonikali wears what makes her feel good and doesn’t adhere to trends or fads. She can take a denim jacket and make it her own by adding studs, jewels, or sewing on some lace. She will rarely be seen wearing something she hasn’t personalized. “I’m different, I should just embrace it. Having any sort of outlet for my creativity is very gratifying and I seek for it in any way I can. I just know I am in love with the possibilities I’m creating—not necessarily possibilities for growth tomorrow; rather possibilities for joy today.”Admitting her little awning secrets and aplomb love for the Northeast region (she has always remained close to her roots), she says, “Upon arriving in the United States, I’ve learnt so much and grown so much having left all that made me who I am, it truly has made me realize how much more love our world needs. Being here, I feel helpless and sad about the socio-political situation and the suffering our people have to go through back in Northeast India each day. But I want to contribute to make a change, a difference. I read this quote by the tennis champ Arthur Ashe ‘Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can’. So in my own little way I realized can make a difference although being thousands of miles away, just by simply being the best version of who I am and trying to serve as an inspiration to my peers; even if it’s as small as spreading the message of peace and love through a Facebook status update.I will grab any opportunity I get to make a positive impact on society, which are plenty. We just get to live this one life; there are limitless ways to live it. Life is short. I intend to do it all and live it all.” And there she is, the next door girl who loves playing video games (she’s a die-hard fan of Warcraft), painting, swimming, reading, and learning how stuff works, has fabulously found her own comfy inspiration to see what she can’t live a day without – A happily ever after story!

John Hingkung, 

Genre-wise, the band is an alternative metal band but likes to blend tints of rock, blues and funk too. Their lyrics are focused on their struggles and societal issues- what they go through in their everyday lives and what they see around them. “More than that, the foundation of all our songs and lyrics is the Love of God that we experience everyday in our lives,” the band adds.
UDX has performed and played at numerous gigs in the state and has also been invited for performance outside the state and even abroad. The band even had the chance to play at Astana, Kazakhstan. “It was unexpected! We were sponsored by ICCR to perform at ‘Days of Indian Culture in Kazakhstan’. We played in two cities, Timirtau and Astana. People received our music well. For many of them, they were listening to rock music for the first time…” But that’s not just it; recently, the band has won accolades for their newly released video “Panacea” (a single from their debut album “Drop Made the Difference” released on the 31st August 2012) which ruled Vh1 India Rules for days. “Well, we put in a lot of hard work to this video because this is our first official music video and it paid off well thankfully.”

The band also opines about the current Rock scene in the country, in the Northeast and particularly in Nagaland- “We see bands like Noiseware, Bhayanak Maut, Slain, etc, doing a great job. Even in Northeast, bands like Soulmate, Boomarang has made their mark not only in the national level but internationally too which is a great achievement. Nagaland particularly has also seen bands like Divine Connection, Alobo Naga and the Band making their mark in the national music scene and even beyond.” The band believes that Indian musicians have progressed immensely over the years. “Rock music in India is no less than the West now. In fact, we have some bands who are way better than the bands from Europe or America.”
Shillong was once a mecca of rock music in the region, however, the band is convinced that Dimapur has also progressed a lot in the last decade or so. They genuinely believe that music in Shillong is more of blues influenced whereas Dimapur has more rock and metal bands. “Shillong definitely used to be way ahead when it came to music, but Shillong, nonetheless, has some great metal bands as well. It’s one place that we would love to come and perform again”.
The band is currently working on promoting their album “Drop Made the Difference”, but is also working on ‘some new music’. The guys are planning to kick start in May with a mega concert in Dimapur.

When asked about the band’s future plans and where the band stands ten years from now, the guys say- “Ten years down the line, we see ourselves making more music and living the life we love to. We also see ourselves at the Grammys and even beyond,” the band replies with a hopeful smile. We hope and look forward to seeing the band attain greater heights in the future!

You can log on to www.udxmusic.com for more info on the band, and you can also follow us at www.facebook.com/pages/udx

Associate Editor

TNT Magazine

Being an employee of ONGC, he has a limited time for his passion. Yet he devoted all him rest of the time towards research and modification of the Assamese folk instruments. Most of his creations had been appreciated all over the state. Some of the unique creations of him are consisted of the concave shaped dhol, pepa made of cow and goat horns, Kakoi comb used not only in our folk culture but by the nachanoi or ballerina as a part of their hair styles and so many more.This time he has created a giant Jeng Tong and a Bor Toka, both of a length of 27 feet. He has used “Lothou” and “Dolo”, two local species of bamboos for making of the instruments. Generally both the
instruments are made for single person. The purpose of the making of the both instruments so big is as explained by the artiste himself is that, “There are 27 districts in Assam and these instruments symbolize the unity of our state”. Gogoi has always tried to make something different which reflects his love for the state. Last time he had created a 12 feet long bamboo pepa and the other year a 12 feet long bamboo flute.

Dwijen Gogoi has been given recognition by various organizations for his contribution to the Assamese folk music. He was given life long achievement award by the Asom Sanskritik Mahasabha in 2010, Cultural award by Ganga Gomoti Brahmapurta Lok Utsav Samitee, in 2011 at
Barakpur(WB), 3rd place in Lok Silpi competition in 2011 at International Trade fair in New Delhi and many more.

Gogoi has been contributing to the Assamese folk music and culture through his sincere efforts over the past years which is really incredible. A number of local youths have also found a way of employment being engaged as skilled labour at his workshop. His instruments are the first choice by all the leading folk cultural groups of our state. In his journey, he is well supported by his better half and children. May his journey continues and our state keeps receiving his dedicated services.

By Luit Chaliha

Photo credit-  Luit Chaliha

The band released a statement saying “We know some fans are upset. Queensrÿche never want to miss any chance to see and play for our fans around the world ‘ but there are some things we have to do for our label in order to get the new record out to you in the time we promised.”

Meanwhile, Queensrÿche II, the new band fronted by former lead singer Geoff Tate, is winning the fight to get their album to market first, having recently moved it from late in the year to April 23. Unfortunately, it looks as if the rush to market may have taken a toll on quality, something they are trying to quickly fix.

By- John Hingkung

The band is not a new band, per se. Back in 2007, vocalist and guitarist Pramesh was in a band called Beautiful Disaster which was later named ‘Screaming Roses’ amid line-up changes and finally evolved into “Grief Card” in 2011. They have played in events like Kingfisher Mysore October Fest, W.O.R.M.E. festival, headlining iMint launch event, etc.
Genre wise, the band plays alternative rock but loves experimenting with various other genres as well, apparently influenced by a variety of genres ranging from pop to metal. “We listen to a variety of genres of music. Right from 60’s artists like The Beatles to contemporaries like Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Lost Prophets, Circa Survive, Linkin Park etc. We believe that the songs we make are a reflection of what we listen to,” Pramesh added.
Making a soundtrack for a feature film can be quite challenging. They admitted that “because of you” was in fact the first “pop” sounding record they have ever worked on. Here’s what Pramesh had to say about the melodious song “The song is the product of an idea that I made about two years ago. We thought the song was a bit too ‘pop-ish’ to make it as a band song then, and so kept the idea on hold. Then this opportunity came, and we thought, ‘why not make this idea into a song for this movie’.” In case you haven’t heard it yet, the song is streaming on their YouTube and Soundcloud pages; recommended for admirers of soft alternative rock. Interestingly, this band is a long distance band- Jeet is currently working in Pune and have been having long distance practice sessions moulding the song, sharing tunes and samples in a series of email exchanges and Skype video sessions. “Thanks to technology, long distance bands are working better than long distance relationships,” chuckles one of the members.
So what’s the movie about anyways? The movie “Amamba Sayon” is a horror/thriller movie and is from the same team that brought out “The Lake (Epaktuda)”. It is scheduled for a summer release. The music video has been directed, produced and edited by Edwin Haorokcham, the movie’s executive producer.
The band is currently working on their next single which will feature a female singer. They are also planning for a music video release later this winter. And if in case you want to catch a glimpse of the band live, you’re in luck for they might be playing at a major music festival in Imphal this April.

Websites:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/griefcard
Facebook: https://facebook.com/griefcard
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/Griefcard