Bhubaneswar: Art lovers and enthusiasts in Bhubaneswar got a unique opportunity to witness some of the rare and prized artworks by India’s most celebrated artists at the ongoing Utkalika – an exhibition showcasing modern art.
Organised by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in collaboration with Lalit Kala Akademi here, the exhibition features masterpieces from the early 19th century to contemporary times, offering a glimpse into India’s rich artistic heritage and providing visitors an opportunity to explore the evolution of modern Indian art. The exhibition started on Jan 6 and will continue till Feb 25.
The exhibition featured iconic works by celebrated Indian modernists such as S H Raza, K H Ara, F N Souza, Shankar Palshikar, Akbar Padamsee, M F Husain, Tyeb Mehta, V S Gaitonde, Ram Kumar and M V Dhurandhar, among others. Their works, which shaped the trajectory of Indian modernism and gained international recognition, reflected both experimental and adventurous approaches to art.
A significant highlight of the exhibition is the showcase of artworks by the Progressive Artists’ Group, which was formed in 1947 and played a pivotal role in redefining Indian art in the post-Independence era. The display illustrates their diverse artistic expressions, influenced by European modernist movements yet deeply rooted in Indian traditions, culture and spirituality.
The director general of NGMA, New Delhi, Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, said, “Utkalika is not just an exhibition, it is a celebration of India’s rich artistic legacy. It aims to inspire creativity, foster learning and create a dialogue between the past and the present.”
He added that the inauguration of the exhibition, which coincided with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, raised global awareness about Indian modern and contemporary art.
Kshitish Chandra Das, who coordinated the programme, said that hosting this prestigious exhibition in Bhubaneswar is a landmark event for Odisha’s art community and provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with India’s vibrant artistic history. “For the first time, such prized and rare paintings of some of the greatest artists of India have been brought out of the gallery of NGMA for a temporary exhibition. For art lovers in Bhubaneswar, this exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to witness national treasures up close and engage with the legacy of Indian modern art,” Das added.
Earlier in Sept 2024, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had proposed the Union minister of culture and tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, for establishing a branch of NGMA in Bhubaneswar as it would facilitate cultural exchange and collaborations between artists from different regions of the country.
Source: The Times of India
