Experience the artistic vision and creative journey of Amitava and Mohan Samant. Their exhibitions remind us that art goes beyond just being a collection of works, it becomes a dialogue between the past, present and future, writes TEAM VIVA
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi has hosted two remarkable exhibitions that explore the creative journeys of Amitava and Mohan Samant. These exhibitions, titled "If We Knew the Point" and "Magic in the Square," provided a fascinating look into the world of Indian modern art through the eyes of two artists whose works are both unique and deeply interconnected. The museum presented over 150 works by Amitava and a diverse range of pieces by Mohan Samant, showcasing how each artist has contributed to shaping contemporary Indian art.
Amitava’s “If We Knew the Point” was an introspective exploration of his internal landscape, brought to life through a variety of mediums and techniques. The exhibition title itself hinted at a philosophical journey, with the “point” referring to the elusive meaning or direction in life that Amitava seeks through his art. The collection revealed Amitava’s versatility and his deep engagement with materials, ranging from graphite, ink and watercolor to acrylics and burnt marks. His artworks resisted straightforward narratives, inviting viewers to interpret the complex themes and emotions embedded within each piece.
Central to Amitava's work was the color black, used not merely as a tone but as a gateway to deeper introspection. Black served as a canvas for exploring socio-political themes and reflected the tumultuous realities of contemporary society. In works like the "Heads" series, dense, totemic figures emerged from this blackness, their intricate patterns hinting at underlying chaos. Amitava’s approach struck a balance between control and spontaneity, as he layered materials to create compositions that were visually striking and intellectually engaging. Each piece invited viewers to lose themselves in the textures and layers, emphasising that art is more about experiencing than simply understanding.
On the other hand, Mohan Samant’s “Magic in the Square” was a vibrant celebration of his lifelong exploration of form, color and cultural synthesis. As a member of the Progressive Artists Group, Samant embodied a fearless spirit of innovation that cut across traditional boundaries. His art reflected a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences, creating a unique visual language that defied categorisation. Samant’s works often drew from a wide array of cultural motifs, incorporating elements from Indian mythology, Egyptian hieroglyphs and Western modernist techniques.
Samant’s fascination with mythological and ancient themes was evident in his work, where the past and present converged to create symbols and narratives. His art was not just a visual experience but a sensory one, incorporating mixed media materials like wire, plastic toys and sand to add texture and depth. These elements created a tactile dimension to his pieces, inviting viewers to explore them as living artifacts that challenged the conventional boundaries of painting and sculpture.
The juxtaposition of Amitava and Mohan's exhibitions offered a unique dialogue between two generations of artists. While Amitava’s work delved into introspection and emotional complexity, Samant’s art celebrated cultural synthesis and exploration. Together, these exhibitions provided a holistic view of the diverse trajectories of Indian art, highlighting the personal and cultural narratives that have shaped its evolution.
As viewers navigated these exhibitions, they were encouraged to reflect on their interpretations and connections, making the experience both profound and intimate. In this shared space, art became a journey - a continuous exploration of meaning and the human experience. Through their lenses, the museum offered a window into the transformative power of art and its ability to bridge cultural and personal divides.
At the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, these two exhibitions reminded us that art is more than just a collection of works; it is a conversation between the past, present and future, a tribute to the enduring power of creativity and the human spirit.
