New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS): Close to 500 postcards written and painted by artists from across India, form the massive installation that pays tribute to the Indian Army to mark the 65th Foundation Day of Lalit Kala Akademi.

The installation, curated by art group Saprem Sansthan, has made its second stop here at the Lalit Kala Akademi galleries after Lucknow. It is on view starting Monday.

With visuals of the soldiers and battlefields, these tiny paintings capsule the way Army corresponds with their families and friends back home -- through letters and postcards.

"The postcards have been collected from most of the Indian states, and each state shares a different relation with the Army. Despite the usage of phone, postcards are a way to bring anticipated news from far-off lands for the Army," artist and curator Bhupendra Asthana told IANS here.

The installation has been mounted alongside a wide selection of the works of Indian women artists that the Akademi has in its reserves.

Twelve women artists will also be part of a five-day residency art camp that began on Monday at the galleries here.

The Akademi celebrated its 65th Foundation Day with a book launch, honours for artists and cultural programmes.

Lalit Kala Akademi, the national academy of art, now chaired by sculptor Uttam Pacharne, was inaugurated on August 5, 1954 in pursuance of a dream for a cultural and national identity.