UTKALIKA offers art enthusiasts, students, and scholars an opportunity to witness the evolution of modern and contemporary Indian art
OdishaPlus Bureau
The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, has unveiled an exhibition titled ‘UTKALIKA – A Show of Modern Art’, in collaboration with the Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA), Regional Centre, Bhubaneswar. This exhibition was inaugurated on 6th January by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Minister for Revenue Suresh Pujari.
The exhibition offers art enthusiasts, students, and scholars an opportunity to witness the evolution of modern and contemporary Indian art.
The exhibition showcases a collection of prized artworks from the NGMA, Mumbai Branch, featuring masterpieces by some of India’s most celebrated artists. From the bold and experimental works of the Progressive Artists Group to the evocative creations of contemporary visionaries, UTKALIKA offers a panoramic view of India’s artistic journey.
Visitors will be enthralled by the works of legends such as S. H. Raza, whose geometric abstractions evoke spiritual depth; M. F. Hussain, whose vibrant canvases capture the essence of Indian culture; and F. N. Souza, whose provocative style challenges conventional norms. Other luminaries like Tyeb Mehta, V. S. Gaitonde, Ram Kumar, and Akbar Padmsee are also prominently featured, alongside early 19th-century artists who laid the foundation for modern Indian art.
The exhibition is unified by the theme of returning to India’s cultural and spiritual roots through art. Each artwork tells a story, reflecting the diverse and vibrant hues of Indian heritage. From traditional motifs to avant-garde expressions, the exhibition highlights the seamless blend of tradition and modernity that defines Indian art.
Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, New Delhi, spearheaded this innovative initiative to generate global awareness of Indian modern and contemporary art. 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.
The exhibition is designed to be a point of interest and interaction for art lovers, students, and research scholars. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the experimental and adventurous journey of modern art in the Indian subcontinent and its impact on the global art scene.
Kshitish Chandra Das, who coordinated the program, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting regional and national art.
The exhibition is open to the public until 25th February at the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre, Kharvela Nagar, (Near Nalini Devi Women’s College) Bhubaneswar.
The exhibition is open to the public until 25th February at the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre, Kharvela Nagar, (Near Nalini Devi Women’s College) Bhubaneswar.
