In a celebration of creativity and cultural heritage, Emami Art is hosting a series of events and activities till June 21 to honour KG Subramanyan’s rich tapestry of artwork on the artist’s birth centenary. Part of ‘One Hundred Years and Counting: Re-Scripting KG Subramanyan’, a research-based survey exhibition curated by Nancy Adajania as a tribute to Subramanyan’s works, that opened on May 25, brings art enthusiasts closer to the maverick artist whose work transcended conventional boundaries. The main highlight is Subramanyan’s Paintings on Earthen Platters: Playing With Tradition that is displayed on the fourth floor of the Anandapur art gallery. On the opening day, a Sara painting workshop was led by Soumik Nandy Majumdar, as well as a presentation titled “Badami Holud’’ by students from Patha Bhavan School, showcasing their playful adaptation of Mani-da’s Kalo-Shada artistry on their school murals. Additionally, an illustrated talk by distinguished art historian and educationist Soumik Nandy Majumdar explored Subramanyan’s groundbreaking Sara paintings, delving into the multifaceted oeuvre of this luminary in Indian contemporary art. The event was not only a visual feast, but was also an educational journey, catering to people of all ages. An extensive showcase of Subramanyan’s works with an enlightening illustrated talk that decoded those works of Mani-da, and an engaging workshop, offered a soulful and immersive experience. It celebrated not only the brilliance of Subramanyan’s pedagogical approach, which emphasised creativity and playfulness, but also his profound impact on generations of artists and art lovers alike.
Art historian Soumik Nandy Majumdar gives an insgightful presentation on KG Subramanyan's Sara paintings. He underscored how Subramanyan elevated common motifs to "stunning artistic pieces".
Artist Anjan Modak, one of the invited participants in KG Subramanyan's Sara Workshop, described the art of transforming a ritual and traditional instrument like the Sara into a canvas as an "enlightened form of art."
Students from Patha Bhavan School presented “Badami Holud”; a lively adaptation of K.G. Subramanyan’s Kalo-Shada artistry, showcased on their school murals. This creative tribute, reflecting upon the students’ deep appreciation for Mani Da’s style, highlighted their playful and imaginative interpretation of Subramanyan’s work and celebrated his enduring influence on young artists.