The art of mentorship: Shaping generations of creativity in India

As visitors step into the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Noida, they are greeted by an exhibition that spans decades of creative practice. Purvaee: Evoking Pedagogic Lineages, an ongoing showcase, examines the pedagogical evolution of modern and contemporary Indian art.

Curated by Avijna Bhattacharya, the exhibition explores dialogues between mentors and students, shedding light on the stylistic and intellectual exchanges that have shaped Indian art over generations. Running until February 20, it features over 200 artworks created between the 1940s and 2000s, representing influential institutions such as Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan and the Faculty of Fine Arts in Baroda.

According to Bhattacharya, the exhibition brings together works by modernist pioneers such as Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar Baij, and Benode Behari Mukherjee, whose teaching philosophies profoundly influenced subsequent generations. Their legacy is evident in the creations of artists like KG Subramanyan, Sankho Chaudhuri, and Krishna Reddy.

“Purvaee provides a unique opportunity to trace the pedagogical lineages that have informed Indian art,” Bhattacharya explained, emphasising the importance of understanding the connections between mentorship and evolving artistic practices.

Exploring artistic identity
Among the highlights is Nandalal Bose’s Sati, which combines Indian tradition with modernist techniques. Also featured are works by Mrinalini Mukherjee, Manisha Gera Baswani, and Pushpamala N, demonstrating how diverse approaches are rooted in educational foundations.

Bhattacharya described the exhibition as a comprehensive chronicle of artistic teaching and learning. “The exhibition examines how legacies are built over generations and how these influence contemporary practices,” she said. “The works on display are not just about aesthetics but about how each artist’s pedagogical journey shapes their creative language.”

A central theme of Purvaee is the shaping of artistic identity through mentorship. “This exhibition offers insights into how artists reinterpret their training while carving out individual creative identities,” Bhattacharya said. “Krishna Reddy, for instance, trained at Santiniketan and became a pioneer in printmaking. His contributions to this field reflect the profound impact of his educational experience.”

The exhibition also highlights how mentorship fosters not only technical skills but also intellectual and emotional engagement. “These artists showcase the depth of connection between their artistic evolution and the education they received,” Bhattacharya explained.

A journey through generations
Purvaee transcends being a mere art exhibition; it tells a story that unfolds across generations. The curation emphasises the enduring dialogue between past and present, illustrating how early 20th-century pedagogical practices evolved to shape contemporary art.

Bhattacharya elaborated, “The exhibition reveals the transformation of artistic language over time and underscores the significance of institutions like Santiniketan and Baroda. These centres not only shaped individual careers but also gave rise to entire movements, fostering innovation and diverse cultural influences.”

She noted that these institutions provided more than technical training—they created spaces for intellectual exchange, laying the foundation for the rich diversity in Indian art.

The legacy of Tagore
At the heart of the exhibition lies Rabindranath Tagore’s vision for Santiniketan. Tagore’s belief in an open, interdisciplinary approach to education influenced a new model of art pedagogy in India. The works showcased in Purvaee reflect this vision, illustrating the creative output of artists deeply engaged with the intellectual currents of their time.

“The mentor-student dialogue central to this exhibition mirrors the ethos of Santiniketan,” Bhattacharya observed. “Here, knowledge wasn’t merely transmitted but actively negotiated and shared. This spirit of exchange continues to shape how art is taught and practised today.”

Voices from the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition have shared their reflections on its impact.

Tanushri Srivastava, Dean of the School of Fine Arts at AAFT-Noida, visited the exhibition with her students. Speaking to Patriot, she said, “Exhibitions like Purvaee significantly contribute to art education by providing exposure to pioneering artists and art movements, insights into the evolution of Indian modern art, and an understanding of its cultural and historical contexts.”

She added, “Modern art institutions can draw valuable lessons from the schools featured in Purvaee, such as emphasising experimentation and innovation, fostering interdisciplinary approaches, and preserving cultural heritage.”

Student Aditi Sharma shared her experience: “It was incredible to see works of legendary artists like Nandalal Bose and Krishna Reddy up close. This exhibition gave me a deeper appreciation of how their training shaped their unique styles, and it inspires me to explore my own artistic identity.”

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Rajeev Malhotra, a practising artist, said, “It’s refreshing to see an exhibition that not only celebrates great masters but also highlights how their teaching continues to inspire new generations of artists. It’s a celebration of the lineage that carries Indian modern art forward.”

Art history enthusiast Neha Patel added, “The exhibition traces the evolution of Indian modernism through mentorship, showing how deeply interconnected teaching and artistic practices are. It’s fascinating to see the influence of one generation on the next.”

A focus on legacy
Purvaee: Evoking Pedagogic Lineages underscores the interplay between artistic education and creative evolution. Open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, the exhibition is available for public viewing until February 20, offering a compelling exploration of Indian art through its pedagogical roots.