‘Bengal Beyond Boundaries’: An art exhibition

- July 3, 2023
| By : Rohan Chauhan |

“Bengal Beyond Boundaries”, to be held at Bikaner House starting July 7, will feature paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by Rabin Mondal, Ganesh Pyne, Arpita Singh, Jogen Chowdhury, Anjolie Ela Menon and Paresh Maity, among others

The Aakriti Art Gallery’s exhibition, “Bengal Beyond Boundaries,” is set to enthrall art enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. Featuring a remarkable collection of works by artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath, Abanindranath, Jamini Roy, Nandalal, Sailoz Mukherjee, Benodebehari Mukherjee, Ganesh Pyne, Ganesh Haloi, and Jogen Chowdhury. This exhibition will take place from July 7 to  July 16, 2023, at Bikaner House, located between Pandara Rd and Shahjahan Rd, near India Gate in New Delhi.

The exhibition, conceptualised by the artist Jogen Chowdhury and curated by Uma Nair, offers a diverse selection of artworks that explore the evolution of Indian art.

Notably, it highlights the works of mid-career artists who examine the living reality in bustling urban centers. Their creations present viewers with overwhelming and dizzying perspectives, capturing the promises of a post-independent nation alongside the masterpieces of the past.

Going beyond the confines of conventional representation, “Bengal Beyond Boundaries” redefines realism, abstraction, and cultural representation. It challenges the notion of art as a tool of domination, promoting a non-centrist international culture that embraces open-ended cultural construction and essentialist thinking.

Curator Uma Nair, while talking with Patriot, shared her vision for the exhibition, stating, “Bengal Beyond Boundaries captures moments that span from Early Bengal to the modern and contemporary era, exploring the relationship between art, printmaking, and sculptural practices. It examines how the periods of pre-Independent India and post-Independent India have shaped each other, blurring boundaries and capturing moments in time.”

Nair said that the visitors to the exhibition will be treated to a captivating collection of artworks that spans from early oil paintings to contemporary pieces.

“It is a unique opportunity to witness the growth and transformation of Indian art over time. Through thought-provoking perspectives and diverse storytelling styles, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own cultural identities and delve into the rich heritage of Indian art,” Nair added.

Vikram Bachhawat, the Founder of Aakriti Art Gallery, expressed his enthusiasm for showcasing the vibrant artists’ community in Kolkata and their passion for art and visual storytelling.

He said, “The exhibition showcases works created through various artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking, showcasing the incredible vitality of artists from Bengal and beyond.”

When: July 07, 2023 – July 16, 2023

Where:  Bikaner House New Delhi