At the heart of our mission is the curation of compelling Contemporary Art Exhibitions, where artists from a wide spectrum of identities, age groups, faiths, races, schools, and ideologies converge. Our selection process places a premium on the attributes of quality, originality, storytelling, and relevance in the art we feature. If your work embodies these elements and you’re on a quest for a platform where your artistic voice can resound, be sure to keep an eye on this space. We will soon announce our upcoming exhibition, a stage for your creativity to shine

Echoes of the Earth

ABOUT EXHIBITION

Prakriti has always been a force larger than all beings, a source of life and inspiration, omnipresent and omnipotent. As an enduring muse, it has inspired countless artists to capture its essence, ponder its mysteries and reflect on its profound impact on human existence. The conversation surrounding humanity’s interaction with nature is as complex as it is timeless. In ‘ECHOES OF THE EARTH’, this dialogue is brought to life through the distinct lenses of five extraordinary artists, each of whom explores their connection with nature, creating a tapestry of perspectives that celebrate its eternal beauty and scrutinize our contemporary relationship with it.

This group exhibition showcasing works of Artists Pradosh Paul, Saumen Khamrui, Chandan Debnath, Ratna Bardhan and Subhankar Chakraborty is an exploration of the myriad ways in which nature can be perceived and represented. Each artist in ‘Echoes of Earth’ engages with nature through a unique medium, allowing for a diverse and enriching visual discourse. From the grandeur of sweeping landscapes to the minutiae of natural forms, from meditative reflections on environmental degradation to celebrations of nature’s resilience, these works collectively form a multifaceted portrayal of our world.

While curating this exhibition, I intentionally selected artists who use different lenses, different mediums and belong to different age groups. Prakriti has a personal connection with all living beings, and it was exciting for me to look at it through the diverse lenses of these artists.

REENA DEWAN
ART CURATOR

ABOUT ARTISTS

PRADOSH PAUL

Pradosh Paul’s watercolor paintings are a testament to his exceptional skill in capturing the essence of reality through delicate brushstrokes and a refined palette. His realistic paintings evoke a sense of tranquility and nostalgia, transporting viewers to serene landscapes and intimate moments frozen in time. Paul’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to render light and shadow with subtlety and precision imbue his works with an ethereal quality, inviting contemplation and a deep appreciation for the beauty found in everyday scenes. His watercolors not only reflect the visible world but also convey the underlying emotions and stories that make each subject profoundly human and timeless. An unfortunate accident made him look at water colour landscape paintings as a choice, that he had left after finishing his art college degree

SAUMEN KHAMRUI

Saumen Khamrui’s tempera works reveal his meticulous technique and profound connection to landscapes. Renowned for its complexity, tempera allows Khamrui to create luminous and enduring scenes, characterized by fine detail and vibrant, layered colors. His landscapes, rendered with earth tones, capture the essence of natural environments with a timeless beauty.
Using precise brushwork, Khamrui achieves rich textural effects that bring depth and vitality to his paintings. Each brushstroke in tempera breathes life into the subtle nuances of light, shadow, and texture, resulting in artworks that are both visually stunning and deeply evocative. Khamrui’s dedication to this labor-intensive method reflects his profound respect for nature, inviting viewers to engage intimately with his landscapes. His work celebrates the splendor of the natural world, blending an artist’s eye for detail with a craftsman’s dedication to his medium.

CHANDAN DEBNATH

Chandan Debnath delves deeply into the intricate relationship between humanity and nature. Using acrylic and crayon on paper, his artworks are exceptionally soft, capable of transporting viewers to calm and serene environments. Frequent visits to a village and working in the moonlight have endowed his pieces with a tranquil quality. Debnath’s art reflects his profound reverence for nature, capturing expansive landscapes and delicate natural forms with meticulous detail and evocative use of color and texture. The presence of humans in his works brings a sense of scale and context, highlighting the delicate balance between human life and the natural world. His work invites viewers to experience the essence of nature through a serene, almost meditative lens, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the environment.

RATNA BARDHAN

Ratna Bardhan is a Print-maker who, following the transformative experience of motherhood, adapted her artistic practice to engraving on acrylic. Initially, her print-making required extensive materials and equipment, necessitating a workspace outside her home. However, the birth of her son led her to prioritize being present for him, which initially posed a challenge to her artistic endeavours. She reimagined her creative process to fit within her domestic space, embracing engraving as her new medium. Her son’s experiences sparked recollections of her granny’s house, her mother’s home, and the vibrant life of their Punjabi neighbours. These reminiscences—captured through their clothing, cooking and daily lifestyle—are intricately woven into her artwork, creating a rich tapestry of familial and cultural heritage. Her engravings are not merely visual representations but intimate narratives that celebrate the intergenerational bonds and cultural nuances of her past, brought to life through her meticulous and meditative artistic practice.

SUBHANKAR CHAKRABORTY

Subhankar Chakraborty is an artist whose works poignantly reflect the surrounding landscapes of Santiniketan. His art delves into the profound insignificance of humans in the grand tapestry of nature. Chakraborty is fascinated by both the congestion of urban spaces and the vast expanses of village life, responding thoughtfully to the changing landscapes shaped by human needs. Breaking away from traditional artistic conventions, Chakraborty often manipulates the regular rectangular shape of paper, introducing undulating forms that mirror the natural topographies he seeks to represent. His landscapes are crafted through a blend of vivid memories and personal experiences, creating evocative scenes that capture the dynamic interplay between nature and humanity. His innovative approach and deep connection to his environment make his work a compelling commentary on the ever-evolving relationship between man and nature.

REENA DEWAN

CURATOR

Reena Dewan, an internationally acclaimed art curator with a Fellowship in Art Curation from the American Art Museum Curators Foundation, is known for her inclusive and forward-thinking approach. Her curatorial eye seamlessly blends senior and young artists, embracing both contemporary and traditional art practices. Dewan’s commitment to providing a platform for diverse artistic voices is evident in her gallery space, where she champions the contemporary relevance of various art forms. Beyond aesthetics, Dewan believes art should serve a larger purpose, reflecting contemporary concerns such as environment, ecology, gender, and loss of inter-generational knowledge. Her exhibitions often explore these themes, sparking meaningful conversations and reflections within the art community and beyond. Dewan’s visionary curatorial practice continues to push boundaries and foster dialogue, making her a respected figure in the global art scene.

ECOTONE

ABOUT EXHIBITION

An Ecotone is

A meeting point of two ecosystems,   

Merging, integrating, rich in biodiversity.

Where species of one and the other reside,

Where land meets water.

Where plains meet mountains,

Where grasslands meet the forest.

Within the enchanting realms of “ECOTONE”, Koustabh Chakrabarty’s artistic narrative unfolds like a poetic ode to the harmonious convergence of diverse ecosystems. He captures the essence of this ecotone, not merely as a type of ecosystem but instead each artwork resonates with a deep-rooted connection to the land, the community and the timeless rhythms of nature.

These works denote the reflective work of the Jaladarsha collective which highlights and brings back into discourse the important aspects of nature and culture.

As a curator, I am captivated by the way his works transcend the boundaries of visual art, becoming conduits for introspection and contemplation. They remind us of the delicate balance we must strike between progress and preservation, innovation and conservation. In this exhibition, the ecotone becomes a metaphorical bridge, connecting us to our roots, our heritage and the enduring beauty of the natural world.

REENA DEWAN
CURATOR

ABOUT ARTIST

KOUSTABH CHAKRABARTY

Koustabh Chakrabarty’s artistic journey embodies a profound connection with literature, nature, community and the essence of the human experience. A student of literature by formal education and a self-taught artist by passion, he transcends conventional boundaries to weave narratives that resonate deeply with the soul.

As the co-founder of the Jaladarsha Collective, Koustabh brings forth a unique blend of inspiration and expression in his works, showcased eloquently in the exhibition titled “ECOTONE.” This collection is a testament to his creative prowess, drawing from the collective’s ethos and merging it seamlessly with his artistic vision.

A significant portion of his artistic endeavours has been dedicated to creating art in public spaces, where his works serve as poignant reflections of the environment, culture and ethos of the communities he engages with. His hands-on approach, often immersed in nature and communal settings, infuses his art with a sense of authenticity and raw emotion.

Despite the digital age we live in, Koustabh maintains a deliberate distance from the virtual world. He eschews the trappings of modern technology, opting instead for a more immersive and hands-on approach to his art. His absence from the internet reflects his commitment to authenticity and a deeper connection with the tangible world around him.

His works invite us to pause, reflect and delve into the rich tapestry of life’s experiences, reminding us of the beauty and depth that lie within the realms of art and human connection.

AiRT?24

ABOUT EXHIBITION