‘Masters and Prodigies’ on display

An art exhibition featuring works of 34 eminent artists from India began yesterday at Galleri Kaya in Uttara. Titled "Masters and Prodigies", the exhibition was inaugurated by Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.

"Putting together an exhibition of this scale, even in India, where these artists are from, would not be an easy achievement," he said.

The exhibition is dedicated to the birth centenary of renowned sculptor and printmaker Somnath Hore (1921-2006).

"Somnath Hore was a friend of my father," said Goutam Chakraborty. "They studied together at the Government Art College, Kolkata."

"Masters and Prodigies" showcases 67 artworks done in etching, lithograph, serigraph, silkscreen, woodcut print, intaglio and wood engraving, including some historically significant pieces.

After the independence of India, revered artist M F Husain (1915-2011), along with some other artists of his time, led a movement to extricate art from the formulaic colonial displays of Indian scenes. On the other hand, renowned printmaker Somnath Hore was interested in humanist themes.

The pain and suffering of impoverished people during the Bengal Famine of 1943 was reflected through Hore's "Wound" series, where he used pulp print technique to portray the essence of wounded humanity. Celebrated artist S H Raza (1922-2016) created a distinct identity for Indian art.

K G Subramanyan (1924-2016) explored various mediums, embracing folklore, mythology and contemporary politics in his works, while expressionist Amitabha Banerjee (1928 – 2013) was known for his series on birds and women. His intaglio prints led him to be regarded as one of the pioneers of graphic art in India.

Badri Narayan (1929-2013) was usually as inspired by life around him as he was by fantasies. Besides being a narrator, a painter and an illustrator, Narayan also worked with the medium of etching and woodcut.

The study of horses was significant in renowned artist Sunil Das's rise to prominence. Being an expressionist artist, Das showcased a minimalistic approach in his works. Suhas Roy (1936-2016) was known for portraying sensuality and innocence on his canvas. Whether it is with his project, "Radha" or landscapes with trees, shrubs, leaves and flowers, the rich tones and textures gave his works a distinct poetic serenity. 

Apart from these pieces, the works of several contemporary printmakers, who have been instrumental to the development of art in India, are on exhibit at the group show.

The exhibition, organised in partnership with Artitude, and sponsored by ADN Group, will be open every day from 11am to 7:30pm till March 16.