The Kanha Museum of Life & Art brings a rare exhibition of Indigenous arts of India titled MANY INDIAS III at Must Art Gallery
The Kanha Museum of Life & Art honoring this diverse culture of art is ‘Many Indias’, an exhibition that showcases the language of the different genres of folk and indigenous art of the country. The exhibition will present artworks of 70 artists and myriad genres of folk art from various parts of the country. These will include works by noted artists of international renown like Bhuri Bai with her surreal depiction of Bhil paintings filled with animals and birds, Manisha Jha’s Madhubani paintings, Sadashiv Mashe and Anil Chaitya Vangad’s Warli art, Bengal scroll paintings, Pichwais and Miniatures from Rajasthan , Rogan art from Gujarat, Kalighat and Patachitra paintings, among many others. Shawls and tapestries from Nagaland will also be showcased. These art forms are unique expressions of these artists and encapsulate the history and contemporary times of the regions.
The spectrum of artworks presented at the exhibition bear witness to India’s regional multiplicity. The art genres go back to century old traditional knowledge which has been passed from one generation to the next. Requiring a distinct approach and understanding, often varying from the modern sensibility of seeing modern and contemporary art, indigenous art speaks a language that invites exploration and discovery. The symbiotic relationship with nature and the holistic soul of art making is a distinct feature of indigenous art. The visual representation presents a refreshing lexicon of motifs, compositions and styles. The exhibition seeks to remedy while expanding the scope of engagement with indigenous art- both aesthetically and with regard to its relevance in the art market.
My engagement with the indigenous arts seamlessly transitioned into a personal commitment, which is the soul of my professional endeavors. As much as I continue to appreciate the aesthetics and historical significance of indigenous art, as a patron I have a vision to channelize consistent efforts to give this genre visibility and a platform to flourish in the contemporary times shares Ms Tulika Kedia -Director of The Kanha Museum of Life & Art.
Many Indias hopes to capture and emulate my engagement with the indigenous arts and to take forward the efforts and outcomes of the years gone by. The show encapsulates Mus Art Gallery’s odyssey of bringing together artists and patrons in celebration of the myriad forms and expressions of India’s indigenous art forms.
