Odyssey: A solo art exhibition by Amitabh Sengupta

An art exhibition titled Odyssey by renowned artist Amitabh Sengupta will be on display at Kalamkar, Bikaner House, from January 31 to February 12. Presented by Art World, the exhibition brings together 30 carefully selected works from Sengupta’s illustrious six-decade career, showcasing his expertise in blending European modernism with Indian cultural narratives.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are three monumental canvases, including the standout pair “Banadevi” and “Banadevta,” which merge abstraction with mythological figures. These works exemplify Sengupta’s ability to seamlessly intertwine tradition and modernity, offering viewers a profound artistic experience.

Curator and critic Uma Nair has lauded Sengupta’s work, calling him “an intellectual and aesthetic master of a rare order.” She notes that his art draws inspiration from ancient forms such as rock paintings, pyramids, and hieroglyphics, which are reflected in his textured and layered canvases. “Through his works, we can imagine the beauty and power of ancient scripts in the subtle shades of sunrises and sunsets,” she added.

Sarala Bannerjee of Artworld Chennai, who discovered Sengupta’s talent early in his career, emphasises his mastery over diverse mediums. She describes the tactile quality of his brushwork, likening it to “molten lava and landscapes bathed in prismatic colours,” which evoke a vivid sensory experience for viewers.

Amitabh Sengupta began his artistic journey at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1966–1969), where he developed his signature modern abstract style. Over the decades, his work has been enriched by cultural influences from Europe, Africa, and India. His time in Nigeria, in particular, added African motifs to his repertoire, which he showcased in exhibitions at the National Museum in Lagos. Upon his return to India in the 1990s, Sengupta became a prominent figure in the Indian art scene, holding solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai and the Birla Academy of Art & Culture in Kolkata.

The Odyssey exhibition will also feature the launch of a richly illustrated book on Sengupta’s artistic journey, published by Artworld. The book, which includes essays on his work, will be unveiled on February 8, by architect and fashion designer Meera Ali at Kalamkar, Bikaner House.

This exhibition is a celebration of Amitabh Sengupta’s artistic brilliance, which transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. His works, steeped in both tradition and innovation, offer a compelling narrative of six decades of creativity. Odyssey promises to be a visual and intellectual feast for art enthusiasts, running daily from 11 AM to 7 PM at Bikaner House.

When:  January 31 to February 12; 11 AM to 7 PM

Where: Bikaner House, New Delhi