Beyond Boundaries has been extended!

Beyond Boundaries: The Journey of Indian Art from Bengal School to contemporary has been extended, now closing on 24th May! Due to its popularity, this exhibition will stay at Le Dame Art Gallery one week longer than planned, now closing on May 24.

Because of the busy programme, exhibitions are generally installed, opened, closed and uninstalled like clockwork. It’s normally very difficult to extend shows, and there has to be a compelling reason. We’ve been delightfully surprised by the public reaction to this group of contemporary Indian artists exhibiting for their very first time in London. So, clearly great news if you haven’t seen the show yet!! “Beyond Boundaries” curated by Protima Chatterjee at Abundant Art Gallery, showcases artists who represent the unbroken heritage of Indian art dating back to Ajanta and Mughal miniatures and show how India is responding to global ideas. The artists engaged in an art camp commissioned by Abundant Art Gallery and CONTRIVANCE, Kolkata from 3rd April to 10th April 2017 in Kolkata. In this camp each piece of artwork was created and now is being presented by Protima Chatterjee at Le Dame Art Gallery. “It was an immersive experience for our artists where they produced exclusive pieces of work” by Protima Chatterjee Indian contemporary art is going through an exciting phase. “Beyond Boundaries” is our attempt to capture some of that excitement for collectors and art enthusiasts in London. Our selection of artists represents a range of expressions and creativity working on a variety of themes. There are traditional Indian motifs, mythical and historical subjects as well as expressions of the artists’ inner journeys. The paintings exhibit a wide array of styles, from a reimagining of the Bengal school by Mohi Paul to the abstract explorations of inner emotions by Shad Fatima. In the sculpture section, the work of Ajoy Das is typically Indian whereas Pradip Sur doesn’t shy away from adopting western techniques to present socially relevant messages. Abundant Art Gallery was set up in 2017 with the aspiration of supporting emerging as well as established Indian artists to showcase their work in the global market. We are pleased to present a collection of creative works from twelve painters, one printmaker and two sculptors of CONTRIVANCE – Indian artists Guild, in Le Dame Gallery in London. This is a unique opportunity to experience afresh the flavour of Indian contemporary art and its present trends. Indian Art has travelled a long way since the cave paintings of Ajanta, Bagh and Sittanavasal. British colonial rule added another important influence and introduced western sensibilities into Indian art. In the early 20th century Indian identity reasserted itself with the emergence of the Bengal School of Art. With the active encouragement of British art teacher E.B. Havell (1861- 1934) and the vision of Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1950) Indian artists in Calcutta adopted traditional Indian ways of painting notably the Mughal miniature style or folk styles such as “Kalighat”. They used indigenous techniques and materials such as natural dyes for their creation. This led to a debate about what Indian art should aim for. Historicity! Or embrace all international trends to reflect modern thought. Contemporary Indian art has struck a balance between the two and coursed a journey, which is reflective of India and her response to the world at large. We see confidant artists who are not only distinctively Indian but are also excited to have a wider conversation with the global community