"In the canvas of life, art is the vibrant stroke that bridges cultures, whispers history, and paints the future."
(My paintings exhibited at the Sampravah pavilion)
Step into the vibrant canvas of the India Art, Architecture, and Design Biennale - an immersive journey that unfurled its artistic sails at the majestic Red Fort in Delhi on December 8, 2023. It's an odyssey that promises to weave tales until March 31, 2024, igniting passions, ideas, and a celebration of cultural convergence.
Picture this: amidst the historical grandeur of the Red Fort, a narrative of cultural amalgamation takes center stage under the theme 'Sampravah - the Confluence of Cultures.' This very theme became the doorway for my artistic expression, embracing the essence of the Baolis of India as a representation of the merging threads of diverse communities.
The Biennale, not just a congregation of art enthusiasts, but a rendezvous of minds from varied disciplines - artists, architects, designers, photographers, collectors, and scholars among others.
Seven themed pavilions stood tall, each day unfurling a new chapter:
Day 1 welcomed with 'Pravesh - Doors of India,' an initiation into the passage of narratives.
Day 2 bloomed into 'Bagh-e-Bahar - Gardens of India,' where gardens mirrored the vast universe.
Day 3, my shining moment, within 'Sampravah - Baolis of India,' fostering unity amid diversity.
Day 4 resonated 'Sthapatya - Temples of India,' an ode to resilience and beauty.
Day 5 unfolded 'Vismaya - Architectural Wonders of Independent India,' embracing creative intersections.
Day 6 celebrated 'Deshaj - Indigenous Design,' weaving the fabric of Bharat and design.
Day 7 paid homage to 'Samatva - Women in Architecture and Design,' shaping our built world.
This Biennale isn't just an exhibition; it's a cultural cornerstone, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Culture envisioned to rejuvenate creative industries. It's a global ode to cultural diplomacy, connecting hearts through art.
(With the curator of this pavilion Vikramjit Singh Rooprai)
My heart swelled with pride as four of my paintings from the series 'Descent into India's Incredible Stepwells'—Sarpakar, Nanda I, Saumya, and Astabhuja—found their home within the curated embrace of 'Sampravah,' orchestrated lovingly by Vikramjit Singh Rooprai. Positioned within the A 2 building near Delhi Gate, these artworks were graced by the esteemed presence of our honorable Prime Minister Modi ji during the inauguration.
Guided by Assistant Curator Dr. Abira Bhattacharya from the Department of Anthropology, my artworks found their place upon a deep blue canvas. The setting, opposite a bench for contemplation, was guarded by CISF personnel, captivated by the allure of the Red Fort Baoli I had passionately painted.
The pinnacle of joy was stepping foot into the fabled Baoli at the Red Fort during my heritage walk, nestled beside the Colonial era barracks building. A moment where my artistic journey merged seamlessly with the historical tapestry of this majestic venue.
(My painting based on the Red Fort Baoli, Oil on Canvas size 5 by 4 feet)
"Lal Quila se aayi awaz, Sehgal Dhillon Shahnawaz" was a popular cry in 1945, when the three brave officers of the Netaji's INA was captured by the British and kept in the Red Fort of Delhi. Initially they were confined in a makeshift prison inside the baoli of the Red Fort and later moved to the adjoining Salemgarh Fort. The Baoli of the Red Fort was converted into a prison ; complete with the basic amenities. The INA trials of the Red Fort where these three - Col Prem Sehgal, Col Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Major General Shahnawaz Khan were tried by the English are quite famous in the Indian history. They were defended by eminent lawyers like Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, Asaf Ali, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Daleep Singh and others.
My painting is a tribute to these martyrs of India and this iconic Stepwell in the Red Fort Delhi.