Bimal Das Gupta, who has been a pioneer in Indian art, and whose abstraction work has redefined the landscape of modern art, is being honoured at a major art exhibition at the Travancore House in New Delhi. Presented by Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes, the solo exhibition ‘Bimal Das Gupta: Tutelage – An Ode to a Legend’, features a wide-ranging collection of Das Gupta’s works, spanning six decades of his artistic journey. This is from the 1930s – when he first broke away from the figurative styles popular in post-independence India – through to the later years of his career.
Archana Khare-Ghose, curator of the exhibition, in an exclusive conversation with Times Now Digital said, “With the Indian art market maturing, it’s imperative that the promoters of Indian modern art help bring spotlight on the masters hitherto unknown or ignored by the market for lack of awareness about their defining work. Bimal Das Gupta is one such artist whose pathbreaking work in abstraction needs to come into focus that it richly deserves.”
She further explained how the show hopes to make a big push in that direction. “It will not only help increase awareness about Das Gupta’s art but also make a valuable addition to the very top of the Indian art market pyramid,” she said.
The exhibition serves as a fitting celebration of Bimal Das Gupta, India's first true abstractionist, whose bold and original abstraction reshaped the artistic landscape and set him apart from his contemporaries. His unparalleled contributions to modern art have left an indelible mark on the world, influencing future generations and cementing his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of Indian art.
Artist Sanjay Bhattacharya, in an exclusive conversation with Times Now Digital spoke about Bimal Das’ works, he explained, “Bimal Da’s work was deeply personal and intense, as if it was an inner eye working. He never created a painting thinking about its impact on the market. He chose to work in abstraction, which is a different genre, and in hitherto untried mediums in this genre. The way he looked at abstraction was very unusual, so was his technique. His mixing of materials and tonal variations make him hard to emulate.”
Many considered Bimal Da as a painter who was way ahead of his times. His experiments in water colours for abstraction seem contemporary even today. Artist Ajay Samir says that he would guide young painters like him on how to accentuate the finer aspects of water colours. “He was generous not only with his guidance but also with painting material that he would give to all and sundry. When he first saw my works in my first solo show, for which I had invited him, he was very impressed,” he remembered.
For all the art enthusiasts, this exhibition serves as an opportunity to immerse in the intricately curated works of Bimal Da. Below are all the details.
- Bimal Das Gupta: Tutelage – An Ode to a Legend
- Location: Travancore Palace, KG Marg, New Delhi
- Dates & Schedule: 9th and 10th November
- Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
This two-day event will feature art walks led by distinguished art critics and engaging Q&A sessions with expert panels, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Bimal Das Gupta.