Genesis: A solo show by Nandan Purkayastha

Sanchit Art is presenting Nandan Purkayastha’s solo exhibition “Genesis” at Bikaner House from January 17 to 23. The exhibition features a collection of drawings and painted works on paper, including a large wall mural-style drawing filled with hand-drawn figures in conversation. Purkayastha, a self-taught artist with a background in fashion design, showcases a series of artworks in monochrome, sepia, and crimson tones that evoke a sense of timeless elements.

Curated by art historian Uma Nair, the exhibition at Bikaner House displays Purkayastha’s drawings that transcend temporal and spatial boundaries, resembling past and present nostalgic fragments.

Nair told Patriot, “Nandan’s figures transition between ancient and contemporary settings, engaging the viewer with carefully crafted angles and scales that exude dynamism across the works on paper”.

The showcase comprises over 80 drawings, including two large canvases titled “As Time Goes By I & II”, capturing aspects of Indian history and antiquity. The centrepiece of the exhibition, “Time and Being”, spanning 17 ft x 7 ft, presents a drawing mirroring a mural, creating a cinematic continuum. The exhibition aims to illustrate the interconnectedness between humans and their environments, portraying animated scenes woven from Purkayastha’s memories and experiences.

Influenced by the Bengali alphabet’s forms and the Durga puja pandal preparations in Assam, Purkayastha’s drawings reflect observations and imaginative interpretations. The exhibition, hosted across two floors of CCA at Bikaner House, aims to inspire ecological consciousness, highlighting the enduring connections between humanity, nature, time, and life.

Purkayastha plans to conduct live drawing sessions daily using circular canvases resembling mandalas. These sessions aim to harmonize the essence of the past and the present while showcasing the beauty of human figures in art.

Additionally, curatorial talks will be conducted during the exhibition, catering to college students and art enthusiasts.

When: 11 am – 7 pm; January 17 to 23

Where: Centre of Contemporary Art CCA – Bikaner House New Delhi