Country’s premier Arts body, the Lalit Kala Akademi’s commemorative Art exhibition “ ‘BAPU’ Through the eyes of Artists” on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary was inaugurated today by Delhi’s Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Anil Baijal, in the presence of LKA Chairman, Dr. Uttam Pacharne, renowned artist Ram V. Sutar, Padma Bhushan, Adwaita Gadanayak, DG, NGMA and participating Artists as well as the art critics and art lovers at the Akademi’s art galleries of Rabindra Bhavan complex, Mandi House. The exhibition catalogue was also released on this occasion. More than 100 pieces of artistic expression of gratitude to Gandhi ji are on display in this 21-day long exhibition. The Artists have depicted the life and principles of the Mahatma which include peace and non-violence through their art.
Shri Anil Baijal, Hon’ble LG of Delhi, while inaugurating the exhibition, said “The life of Mahatma was in itself an artistic expression of truth and non-violence which can be emulated at least in part by every human being to make the world safer and peaceful. I feel honoured to inaugurate this commomorative exhibition on Gadhi’s 150th birth anniversary. I thank LKA for inviting me for the event. We are trying to promote public art in Delhi, for which we are getting valuable support from the LKA.” He emphasised upon the importance of this form of art in order to make public interested in the arts.”
The Padma Bhushan awarded artist Ram V. Sutar expressed his happiness over the exhibition and thanked LKA for putting up the show on Bapu, “I hope this show will inspire people to imbibe Gandhiji’s ideals and teachings in their lives.”
Dr. Uttam Pacharne, Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi described that, “The occasion to commemorate the 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth is an important milestone in our history. Gandhi ji’s life history is more than a conscience keeper of India and should be emulated by every citizen of India to make the country more cohesive and united. He was a torch bearer of humanity, peace and non-violence. He taught us the lessons of truth and tolerance. This exhibition shall compel us to think about his most precious contribution to humanity and freedom. Akademi also pays tribute to former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birthday.”
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, while wishing the best for the Exhibition stated that the life of Mahatma Gandhi was very inspiring for every human being. The Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Culture, Sh. Prahlad Singh Patel has also sent his best wishes for the exhibition and described it useful for character building of the upcoming generations.
A workshop each on the painting and waste paper was also inaugurated today. The arts exhibition has been organised with active support from the J.J. School of Art, Mumbai and the Progressive Art Gallery New Delhi. The exhibition is curated by Art Critic Smt Uma Nair. The show shall remain open for the public from 2nd October, 2019 to 22nd October 2019 between 11 AM to 7 PM at the Akademi’s art galleries in Rabindra Bhavan.
The Highlights:
Sculpture and installation– 4 Gandhi sculptures of Padma Bhushan Ram V Sutar, Khadi and paper origami installation by architect artist Ankon Mitra.
Paintings-Arpana Caur’s Charkha, Satish Gupta’s Dharma Chakra, Paresh Maity’s Swadeshi, Dipto Narayan Chatterjee’s The Arrival, Sudip Roy’s Bapu, Simran KS Lamba’s Gandhi and Industry, Pratul Dash’s Mirror Reflection and Sonia Sareen’s Sabarmati ke Sant, painted on khadi.
Drawings-Adwaita Gadanayak DG, NGMA, drawing from 1990, Sanjay Bhattacharya drawing and collage by Jagannath Panda.
Printmakers: Jagdeesh Tammineni two prints, from Birth of a Nation, Dattaraye Apte zinc plate, Subrat Behra’s Gandhi, Hemavathy Guha 3 prints-The Leader and Anandmoyi Bannerjee’s print.
Ceramics: Keshari Nandan and Manjari Sharma
Photography– Ram Rahman Bhupen Khakhar, Gigi Scaria Who deviated First, Photo Division 10 archival prints.
