The journey of Bengal art from traditional to modernity
The Hindu
How Bengal art traversed from traditional to modernity from 18th century to present
Art lovers in Delhi can see some masterpieces by legendary and contemporary artists of the Bengal School that have never been on public display before. The exhibition Bengal Beyond Boundaries opens at Bikaner House today
Three hundred watercolour and oil paintings, etchings, drawings, prints and sculptures by 100 artists spanning two centuries will adorn the Bikaner House galleries for the next 10 days, showcasing the social consciousness of Bengal and how it influenced and transformed the Indian art scene.
If art is about memories, history and experiences, Bengal art is a journey of different perspectives, of creative expressions through the cultural and political lens, of personal and private trials and tribulations, pathos of the great Bengal famine, many incidents of devastation during Partition and more.
Santinketan-based painter Jogen Chowdhury thought of positioning the old and the new for a unique exploration of the evolution of artistic practices in Bengal. Art curator Uma Nair, known for doing three retrospective masters (Gopal Ghosh in 2015, Jamini Roy 2016 and Prodosh Das Gupta 2020) was roped in.
“It was an invigorating exercise of research and insights for over four months. From mythological origins to complexities of today’s society and culture, the exhibition exemplifies India’s rich artistic heritage bridging the past and present,” says Uma. The seminal works not only celebrate the individual artistic journeys of discovery and contemplation but also signify the enduring need for artists to provide insight into the broader historical and cultural context in which they created their art.
“The artists of Bengal school draw inspiration from surroundings; their nuanced narratives and visual language are not copies but documentation of historic events. The techniques each of them uses shapes the legacy of the Bengal School and continues to define India’s art scene,” she adds.
There will be much to see at the exhibition highlighting the journey from traditional to modernism. “There is a range and depth in the works and we have put together a museum quality show,” promises Uma.
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