All posts filed under: ART

Explore artists and their art

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Spilling Intricate Poetry on Paper : Tialila Kikon on her new release ‘Paper Cranes’.

“There’s nothing more rare, more precious than a heart that can appreciate and uplift another” – Tialila Poetries are unstoppable gateways to innumerous human emotions and feelings that otherwise don’t find an outlet within us. These spontaneous creations go on to hold even more importance when they stand to represent a collective cause. One such important Indian contemporary poet, is Tialila Kikon. Kikon’s work picks up twigs of life, love, hope and humanity, and builds simple yet sanguine poetry with them. Her poems were published in ‘Feminist Voices Across Cultures: A Poetry Anthology‘ and some of her Tanka poems appeared in ‘Winter Writes: Poems, Stories & Sagas’. She also has a Kindle eBook published by the Whitesboro Group of Writers, New York. Her poems ‘Indeed’ and ‘Children of Conflict’ were selected among 300 other poems submitted by poets from around the world and displayed at the Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, Vancouver, Canada on 12th March 2016 at the WIN-UNESCO World Poetry Month Celebration on the theme of Love and World Peace. In this short …

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This is How Fashionable Women from Northeast India Wear their Mekhelas

We’ve grown up watching the women in our lives wearing the mekhela so effortlessly, either in the traditional form or with an unconventional twist. Usually seen as traditional attire, mekhela has stood the test of time and is still an essential part of our lives today. Thanks to the young women from Northeast India, always looking for innovative ways to ramp up their wardrobe – and most likely, with borrowed inspiration from their mothers. Let’s take a look at how different women style their mekhelas. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE]” Mizo ladies in their traditional mekhelas ‘Puan’ paired with trendy tops and accessories. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Yakching looking lovely in her Naga silk mekhela paired with a white bell-sleeve top, perfect for a day out. [You can also buy yourself a Naga Mekhela and other traditional jewelry on our R&L Store HERE] Valentina in all her elegance, in a pastel-toned …

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Portraits and Weddings | Photographer Atsen Murry of Pixel Stories, Shares His Story.

Though a lot of photographers seek to bring a soft touch to weddings through their work, Atsen Murry takes his clients’ most celebrated moments to another level. Very few artists provide quite the insider’s view through photos as beautifully as Atsen Murry – the photographer behind ‘Pixel Stories’. Murry’s Pixel Stories is a collection of photographs of ordinary people looking extraordinarily beautiful. Given his popularity, we wanted to learn more about the technique that makes it happen. Thankfully, we recently had the opportunity to ask Atsen a few questions about his work and what makes him tick. How did photography happen to you? I spent the first 15 years of my life in Nagaland. I have always had the bent of mind and cravings of an artist. In the beginning, I found a creative outlet in music, especially in composing tunes. I am still into compositions – sometimes with musical notes, and at other times with light. I did try out some conventional pursuits because of social pressure, like getting done with my pre-university degree in science from …

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Eight Women in Fashion from NorthEast India and What Sets Them Apart

The team at Roots and Leisure brings together eight fashionable achievers – one each from every state [8 sister states] of Northeastern India to dissect their ‘Fashion & Achievement Quotient’ This was an especially fun set of interviews because it gave us a glimpse of the breadth of fashion personalities that North East India has been contributing to the country and to the world! Even with all that innate coolness and genetically-passed-down poise (aka North East Swag!), these women still manage to bring their own brand of beautiful to their style. Read on to find out what fashion means to them and their secret style weapons.  NAGALAND Maken Imcha Payne, Executive Director of International Recruitment and Relations, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) How has fashion empowered you as a woman? Fashion has always been my confidante, allowing me to become who I am and sometimes who I want to be, with no strings attached. It empowers me to be the protagonist of my own stories. To me, it’s never been about playing by …

Being a Runway Success with Supermodel Ketholeno Kense from Nagaland

Ketholeno Kense is a name that needs no introduction. Just a year after winning the prestigious Kingfisher Calendar Hunt in 2014, she quickly made her mark in the industry by modelling for top designers such as Atsu Sekhose and Tarun Tahiliani. Kense is a shining example of how the Indian runway fashion scene is embracing new and distinctive personalities. Her star power has even caught the attention of renowned international publications such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue! With the essentials at hand and a unique romance with the industry, today Ketholeno is more inspired than ever to delve deeper into the craft of modelling. Roots & Leisure recently caught up with the ravishing Naga beauty to discuss her creative journey and future aspirations. R&L: We would love to know how you became who you are today. How was it for you when you first started? Leno Kense: I started modelling in college because my height presented me with a lot of opportunities. But back then, I didn’t have a serious plan to follow it …

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Suraj Nongmaithem: Connecting People through Photography

It is so fascinating to see people who showcase sheer brilliance with different forms of art. Be it music, dance, writing or photography, each artform is a powerful tool to either express yourself or simply explore society and more specifically, its people. Meet Suraj Nongmaithem from Manipur, who is working as a design consultant in Singapore. He reached out to R&L, and we were more than happy to know more about him. His work takes inspiration from a mix of cultures – and at the same time, aspires to find a common thread that runs across each one of us – irrespective of where we come from. Hi Suraj, tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m originally from Manipur, but I’ve lived all across India, thanks to my dad who’s with the Indian Armed Force. I am currently working as a design consultant for a company in Singapore. I plan to do my masters in photography from a fine arts college in Europe (currently awaiting an acceptance letter). I have also freelanced for Rolling Stones India. How …

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Top Fashion Trends from the Streets of Nagaland

  Staying in touch with the latest trends in fashion feels like a primary requisite these days. Don’t you agree? After all, putting an effort to dress well is not about vanity – but rather an expression of the best self. When that is the message, can we give our artistic spirit (yes we all have it!) a little more voice? . . . and with many fashionistas around to lend us some inspiration, one needn’t go to Milan or Paris, to check what’s trending. Here are the top 5 fashion trends  – reporting live from the Streets of Nagaland! #1 : DENIM JACKET Kutholeno sporting her oversized denim jacket with a loose black dress to compliment her casual – yet very stylish self. Aleno wears a denim jacket – experimenting with layers, for a casual day out on a warm, yet slightly chilly Kohima weather. #2 THIGH HIGH BOOTS Asenla wears her thigh highs with a button up skirt and tights, on a no-sunlight-kind-of-day, making the weather look less grumpy. Amen pairs her high boots with a fitted denim and a well cut leather jacket …

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Meet Abhilash Baishya – 20 Year old Photographer from Assam

Photography. Is it an art or a science? I guess most would agree that it is a bit of both. Taking a good photograph involves a lot of technical skills and knowing your instrument. It is indeed a subject of science. But more young people are taking up photography with ever-growing zeal, using it as a medium to express their creativity through the camera lens. Whether it is about evoking an emotion in one’s audience, conveying a message, or capturing the essence of a place, person or a thing, photography has come a long way to evolve into a form of self-expression for many. We at R&L continuously strive to reach out to people who are passionately involved in bringing out the art of the sciences. Photography is one such art that does it beautifully. Meet Abhilash Baishya from Assam –  a 20 year-old photographer cum filmmaker, who is ardently using photography to capture memories of people, places, emotions and adventures among other things. Baishya likes clicking evocative photos and creating informative travel videos and vlogs on YouTube. …

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Introducing ‘The Daughters’ : Affordable Fashion Brand from Nagaland

Our discoveries of various creative minds from the state of Nagaland never cease to amaze us. Apart from being rich in culture, cuisine, heritage, folklore, and ethnicity, the Nagas have been taking the fashion industry by storm for quite some time now. Many young designers and fashion initiators are going official and showcasing their talent every year. Today, we introduce you to two young beautiful young women entrepreneurs – Ari and Vitsi – who began humbly and went on to establish a brand new fashion label ‘The Daughters’ last month. The duo has received plenty of appreciation and love post the launch. So, without further ado, let’s have a quick look at their brand-new fashion journey:   Introduction to the founders of ‘The Daughters’ ‘The Daughters’ was founded by two cousins – Arinaro Longkumer and Vitsino Peseyie. Vitsino did a course in Fashion Design and Merchandizing from International Polytechnic for Women, Delhi. She interned under star designer Atsu Sekhose at Delhi and is currently based in Dimapur. Arinaro completed her undergrad from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi. She …

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These Naga Entrepreneurs Are Bringing Indians Closer to Korean Beauty Products

A little introduction to the people behind the brand ‘Skin Concepts’ Skin Concepts is the brainchild of two budding entrepreneurs, Tina and Vivo. Tina is an Arts graduate from Delhi University who returned to Dimapur after a brief stint in Delhi at Jupiter Capital. Tina is currently fully invested in Skin Concepts. While Vivo, who hails from Kohima, is also an Arts graduate  (from Delhi University) and has an MBA degree from James Cook University, Singapore. She has worked in Singapore for two and half years at Glutz Singapore, and is currently working full time as a planning assistant in the Planning and Coordination department for the government of Nagaland. Let us have a chat with the ladies and find out more . . . So what is ‘Skin Concepts’ all about? Skin Concepts is an e-commerce website selling authentic, carefully curated Korean skincare and beauty products. We officially launched our online store on the 1st of July this year . We currently have over 23 brands, and we are constantly adding more.Thing is, there are just so many amazing …