Lipok Aier

His works show traces of inspiration drawn from the rich cultural heritage that is consciously or unconsciously embedded in the life of a Naga. Lipok Aier comes from a younger generation that compels competition even as he remembers how he first participated in an Art competition as a small school boy of Class-IV.

Unmindful of the fact that he did not win in the competition, this was perhaps an exercise that shaped him to face greater challenges in the days to come. His fascination for Art goes back to his early childish days, having blessed with a background of family who were Artists in their own special ways. Naturally, he feels that he grew up in such an influential environment that has also been instrumental in instilling the love of Art in him.

At 22, one can say he has achieved something because not every Artist’s work is good enough to share a space in the State Museum. For the lad from Waromung Village under Mokokchung district, this feat comes as a result of attending a one week Seminar held under the banner “Output”. Two of his works, which he created during this period are part of the prestigious house of Art in the state capital.

Talking about these, he explains that one of his works is a sketch called “Preserving Identity” while the other is a Painting that talks about love, peace, friendship and hate simultaneously. The former is a piece of work that involves several elements of the Naga tradition even as he enlightens on the various symbols found in the sketch such as the Tree, that represents the nature of Nagaland, the face of a Girl representing Beauty, a Shield that encapsulates tribal dancing and such other symbols like the Bull, Hornbill Feather, etc, all in a piece of work.

Art, according to him is “a way of expressing myself, which I cannot express through words”. Indeed, a picture, they say is worth more than a thousand words. He also likes Tattoing, while strongly emphasizing that it is also part of Art. This, he hays has not been favourable in our present society, but insists that tattoing has been there since our forefathers’ time….”it’s in the culture”, he strictly maintains.

The other side of him loves music, not simply but keenly. He is part of a Band, which, he formed along with a friend some years ago. Their music falls in the category of a genre called “Trance-Core Metal”. Simply called “Fear me Dear”, the Band has performed several gigs in the past in Kohima with him as the Bassist.

But the Artist in him seems to have emerged stronger, even as he confesses that although music and sketching/painting are all some kind of art, his passion lies greater in the latter. Currently a Diploma Student of Animation in the Arena Animation Koromongla at Bangalore, he is also fascinated by the modern tools of Art.

Mention may be made here that he was also trained at Aries Studio, Dimapur under British Filmmaker and Animator, Tara Douglas, who made the first Naga Animation Movie called “Man, Tiger, Spirit” launched during last Glocal Film Festival at Kohima.

He seems happy with the several platforms for Art being given by the State Government through Art and Culture while indicating these as immense opportunities to exhibit one’s artistic skills. To which end, he also feels that the youths of today should indulge more often in their talents in positive ways.

The mantra for him seems to lie in “Practice and Work Hard”, which, he feels should be everybody’s guide to success. When asked how he wishes to contribute to the society through his Art, he simply states his desire to become a Better Artist, because, for him, when one becomes a better artist, people know them, and when they do, the society at large is also benefitted.

He is a lad of few words but charmingly engrosses himself in the world of Art, which is evident even in the way his eyes light up when he starts talking about the subject. His work, sure does show sign of promise for greater things to come.