The value of history is not in the past, but it is only when we allow it to become an organic part of our present evolution that it becomes valuable. Once we integrate the past into our transient present, arises the possibility of it being meaningful. History unlike the dead, has a life of its own because we can choose to enter a dialogue with it, create what we want through it. On the one hand it is a foundation to create further, on the other it is there to question and overcome. History is what we make of it.

A similar effort is seen amongst few artists who visited the second century B.C, rock-cut Ajanta caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. This engaging visit was followed by a camp in Anandban, where the group conversed and conserved their experiences with acrylics on canvas.

In all, twelve of these works by Vaishali Oak, Mayura Khot, Snehal Kulkarni, Raju Sutar and Dibakar Das will be exhibited at Waves Art Gallery, Pune from the 27th August - 4th September 2010. Alongside the canvases Dibakar's travel diary-works (Pen & Ink on Paper) which he maintained during the visit, and Sutar's Ganjifa - art (Gouaché on Paper) which led to the Ajanta project will also be displayed.

The art-works promise an exposure to the creative possibilities on the crossroads of art, history and travel.

- Tanushree Biswas