Eminent artist Tamal Bhattacharya is paying a unique homage to West Bengal’s indigenous folk art forms through his annual exhibition. Titled ‘Revival’, the exhibition is on display at Bhattacharya’s art space — Studio Calyx — in Baruipur
Photographs by Sannidh RaychaudhuriThe inauguration that took place on December 1 was attended by reputable names from the fields of music, art and literature such as singer Manoj Murali Nair, sculptor Susmita Basu, and academic and author Kunal Basu. The curatorial note of the exhibition has been drafted by Bhattacharya’s better half and co-creative force behind running the studio, Arpita Bhattacharya
Tamal Bhattacharya and Arpita Bhattacharya travel far and wide to add interesting art pieces to their personal collection. The animal from wood mask (above) is also from Studio Calyx’s personal collection that was sourced from Kushmandi in Dakshin Dinajpur of West Bengal and has been exhibited
Various art forms have been placed together in the exhibition to showcase the rich heritage of Bengal. Bhattacharya’s take on Indian mythology has been expressed through painted plates (left). The non-fire glazed dolls (right front) have been made by local artist Rahul Sardar. Terracotta, one of the oldest art forms of Bengal, has been presented through the figurine of Sasthi, a deity in Indian mythology, and the man on a horse (right back). The terracotta sculptures are from the personal collection of Studio Calyx
The sculpture of Hanuman, an deity in Indian mythology, along with the small human and animal figures, are by local artist Rahul Sardar
Museum box — a coming together of human and animal sculptures in a concise space — comes from the personal collection of Studio Calyx. It makes one marvel at the diversification of nature and ponder on the global climate crisis as well. The Durga artwork is made with paper by Bhattacharya. The presentation of Durga, human and animals in one space reminds of how the Indian deity’s family form includes wildlife and various facets on nature
Another integral part of Bengal’s art history is ‘kantha’ stitch. This piece is by artist Yasmin, who hails from Nanur in Birbhum
Bhattacharya’s collaboration with the three artisans dates back to the artist’s participation in the Kalighat restoration project. The artist carry forwarded the association and curated the exhibition, amalgamating the traditional art forms of the artisans with his experience
A mixed bag of sculptures by Bhattacharya, young students of Studio Calyx and local artisans —- the artistic expressions showcase man and wild in various forms. The blue ceramic pieces are an Indian version of Tang dynasty ceramic of China
While the traditional heating apparatus (‘unoon’ in Bengali) is by artist Gauri Pailan, the other ceramic pieces are from Studio Calyx’s personal collection that have been sourced by Tamal and Arpita Bhattacharya from various parts of Bengal. ‘Revival’ is on display till December 21 at Studio Calyx in Baruipur from 3pm to 7pm. Don’t miss it!