An exhibition tracing a century of Indian art, culture and transformation, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Art is not only about what’s on the canvas, it’s about the stories, the emotions, and the history that shape each stroke. Harmony at Bikaner House is a rare kind of exhibition, one that allows you to feel the evolution of Indian art. Walking through the space, you sense dialogues unfolding between the past and the present, as if the artists, separated by time - are speaking to each other through their work.
The curation by Vikram Mayor of Gallery Silver Scapes is both thoughtful and bold. It brings together legends like Jamini Roy, S.H. Raza, and F.N. Souza, whose works have defined Indian modernism, alongside contemporary masters like Paresh Maity, Manu Parekh and Thota Vaikuntam, whose vibrant canvases pulse with new-age energy. Seeing Jamini Roy’s folk narratives next to Souza’s raw intensity creates a fascinating contrast, one that highlights just how diverse Indian art has always been.
One of the most compelling aspects of the exhibition is its commitment to recognising underappreciated artists, like Anita Roy Chowdhury, a pioneer of abstraction whose work deserves far more visibility. At the same time, it gives a platform to emerging voices like Shanaka Kulathunga and Anurag Anand, whose innovative approaches hint at the future of Indian art.
Each painting, sculpture, and mixed-media work here demands attention. Bimal Das Gupta’s dreamy landscapes evoke a longing, a quiet nostalgia that stays with you. Manu Parekh’s cityscapes, bursting with colour and movement, feel alive, while Sanjay Bhattacharya’s hyper-realistic canvases have such depth that you almost believe you can step into them.
There’s something deeply immersive about “Harmony” — the way it connects different generations of artists without forcing a hierarchy. It shows how Indian art continues to evolve, absorbing influences, breaking boundaries, yet always staying connected to its roots. For anyone who truly appreciates art, “Harmony” is an experience.
Artistic Confluence Revealed
“Harmony” brought together two worlds, where India’s greatest artists’ heritage met the bold visions of emerging talents. The exhibit created an evolving story that celebrated both the past and the future of art
