Manipur: Art exhibition on 'Subika painting' captivates onlookers with unknown Asian art form

An art exhibition showcasing “Subika Painting” commenced on July 13, captivating onlookers with its unique and largely unknown form of Asian art. The exhibition, titled "Manipuri Mythology and Folklore," was held at Books and Coffee and continued until July 17.

The exhibition features modern interpretations of Subika paintings by Dr. Yumnam Sapha, a distinguished artist from the Department of Fine Art at Manipur University. Yumnam's work draws inspiration from traditional, indigenous paintings and illustrations found in ancient Manipuri manuscripts known as Subika. These manuscripts, part of the Manipuri manuscript tradition called Puya, are the only ones that include illustrations. They focus on themes of spirituality, religion, magic, divination, prognostication, and fortune-telling and are considered to hold talismanic power.

The displayed paintings were commissioned by Penguin Random House India as illustrations for their Puffin Young Adult publications, namely "And That Is Why: Manipuri Myths Retold" (2021) and its companion book "Feathers, Fools And Farts: Manipuri Folktales Told" (2024).

As part of the exhibition's opening, the audiobook of "And That Is Why" and the book "Feathers, Fools and Farts: Manipuri Folktales Retold" (2024) were also launched. 

Scholar and curator Mutua Bahadur, who attended the event, highlighted the necessity of preserving and promoting this indigenous Manipuri art form. His remarks emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Subika paintings and the importance of ensuring their continued appreciation and understanding.

The event was also attended by the collaborators of the mentioned books, L. Somi Roy and Dr. Thangjam Hindustani Devi, who shared insights into their work and the collaboration with Dr. Yumnam.

The exhibition is expected to draw art enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a rare glimpse into the sacred and mystical world of Subika manuscripts through the lens of contemporary art.