Artworks by Masters

The beauty of Rajasthani artworks has always been captivating, but the rare occasion of these being on display finally arrived when the national Capital witnessed the inauguration of an exhibition cum sale of some unique works of 10 master painters from Rajasthan. Titled ‘Kala Vithi’, the exhibition was held at the Lalit Kala Akademi on Saturday.

‘Kala Vithi’ was launched by Ashwani Lohani, CMD, Air India and Padma Shri Shovana Narayan and had the participation of eminent personalities from the world of film and media such as Ambika Anand, Editor-in-Chief, Fashion, NDTV Good Times and actor and TV host Charu Shankar along with the curator, Durgesh Shankar.

Durgesh Shankar’s keen interest in Rajasthani art enabled him to organise the exhibition.

“In India we are blessed with phenomenal diversity, and Rajasthan has perhaps experienced these influences more than any other state in the country and has absorbed them in every aspect of life, including art. Through this exhibition of the works of 10 master painters, I wish to introduce art lovers in Delhi to fine brush work and the vivid portrayal of themes”, said the Curator.

Over 100 paintings are on display, some from private collections of the painters. The works on sale include Phad paintings, pichwais and Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian miniature paintings. The exhibition showcased an unique experiment of contemporary themes through traditional arts. 

There are various types of paintings, some of which have travelled the world in various exhibitions and some which had been painted just a couple of days before the exhibition. Art enthusiasts and even common people would find the exhibited works to be extraordinary. 

The 10 participating artists include Nand Kishore Verma, Pradip Mukherjee, Ramu Ramdev, Kalyan Joshi, Raja Ram Sharma, S. Shakir Ali, Reva Shankar Sharma, Shammi Bannu, Trilok Prakash Soni and Kuldeep Soni.

Pradip Mukherjee’s interpretation of Ramayana in one painting has been done phenomenally. The dreamy and colourful effect in the paintings of S. Shakir Ali with the use of Persian and Mughal miniature paintings, as well gives a fresh and unusual feeling to everyone. 

The various presentations of ‘Shreenath Ji’ by Raja Ram Sharma and Kalyan Joshi’s presentation of ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in gold and red and frolicking elephants among some other wonderful creations would at once grab one’s attention. The exhibition/sale is being held from February 13 to 19.