Shantiniketan by Paresh Maity (acrylic and oil on canvas) | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Art lovers in Delhi can view some of the masterpieces of famous and contemporary artists of the Bengal School that have never been on public display before. Exhibition Bengal Beyond Boundaries begins at Bikaner House today
Three hundred watercolours, oil paintings, etchings, drawings, prints and sculptures created by 100 artists over two centuries will grace the Bikaner House galleries for the next 10 days, showcasing the social consciousness of Bengal and how it has influenced the Indian art scene and converted.
If art is about memories, history and experiences, Bengal art is a journey through various perspectives, creative expressions through cultural and political lenses, personal and private trials and tribulations, the compassion of the Great Bengal Famine, the devastation during Partition Is. even more.
Shantinketan-based painter Jogen Chowdhary thought of juxtaposing the old and the new for a unique exploration of the evolution of artistic practices in Bengal. Art curator Uma Nair, known for having done three retrospective masters (Gopal Ghosh in 2015, Jamini Roy in 2016 and Prodosh Das Gupta in 2020), was included.
Fallen Dictator by Anjali Ela Menon | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“It was an invigorating exercise of research and insight over four months. Uma says, “From mythological origins to the complexities of today’s society and culture, the exhibition exemplifies India’s rich artistic heritage, bridging past and present.” but also reflect the enduring need for artists to provide insight into the wider historical and cultural context in which they created their art.
“The artists of the Bengal School draw inspiration from their surroundings; His subtle narratives and visuals are not language copies but documentations of historical events. The techniques used by each of them shaped the legacy of the Bengal School and continue to define India’s art landscape,” she adds.
There will be a lot to see in the exhibition highlighting the journey from traditional to modernity. “There is a range and depth to the works and we have put on a museum quality show,” promises Uma.
Works of Bengal School pioneers Abanindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Gaganendranath Tagore, Benod Behari Mukherjee, Nandlal Bose, Hemen Majumdar, Paresh Maity, Anjali Ela Menon, Arpita Singh and many others highlight the artist’s contribution to creating a wider understanding. Indian Art.
Sitting Lady (in bronze) by Shankar Ghosh | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hallmark is bringing together a diverse and captivating array of artworks from the private collections of art connoisseurs, families of artists and the personal collection of Vikram Bachawat, founder of Kolkata-based Aakriti Art Gallery. “With a thought-provoking approach in storytelling style, the exhibition is spread over several rooms and each is a mini-exhibition in itself that records different aspects of human history and continues to shape our understanding and reflect our cultural identity. helps,” he says.
Showcasing the works of established artists and emerging talents, the exhibition also explores the relationship between art, printmaking and sculptural practices and how pre- and post-independence India crossed boundaries with artists to capture moments in time. blurring each other’s shape. Sculptures and prints add their own charisma of creative clarity and exploration across mediums and go beyond time to celebrate the indomitable human spirit.
Many artworks with artistic sensuousness and grace of stillness have never been publicly displayed before. “We have made a list of utopias lost and recovered; “There is an underlying message about societies existing in a pluralistic pattern leading to a meaningful harmonious life,” says Uma.
Ahir Bhairav (watercolour pen and ink on paper) by Jayshree Burman | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Center for Contemporary Art, Bikaner House, Between Pandara Road and Shahjahan Road, India Gate, by July 16; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.