Nandan Santiniketan, a group of Kala Bhavana alumni from Visva Bharati University, reunited to showcase their artistic talents at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata. Breaking a three-year hiatus post-pandemic, about 47 artists showcased their artworks at the exhibition this year.
Few artists of the Nandan Santiniketan group at the exhibition
Artists such as Shanta Roy, Ramananda Bandyopadhyay, Jahar Dasgupta, Partha Protim Deb, Shantanu Bhattacharya, Protima Dutta, Tapan Mitra, and Indrani Sadhukhan showcased their remarkable works at the exhibition. Ramananda Bandyopadhyay, a student of the 1956 batch, presented an exquisite artistic portrayal of a bird on black canvas. Meanwhile, Jahar Dasgupta, a graduate from the 1964 batch, offered a unique perspective on the human form through his canvas. My Kolkata gives you a sneak peek into the exhibition and catches up with some of the artists present there...
(L to R) A close-up of Shanta Roy’s artwork titled ‘Africa’; The artist with her art
Shanta Roy, a graduate from the 2002 batch, showcased her artwork, titled ‘Africa’, at the exhibition. This mixed-medium piece, made on a lino sheet on canvas, talks about the struggles of women. It also encapsulates the themes of hope for a brighter future and breaking free from societal constraints. “The golden and white flower buds are a mere comparison with women and women power,” Shanta shared.
Krishnakali Devid’s ceramic work, adorned with a tiger motif, reminded one of Jamini Roy school of art. Sudhi Ranjan Mukherjee's creative portrayal of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik seamlessly blends Kalighat Patachitra with nuanced alpana — creating a harmonious fusion of two ancient artforms of Bengal. Ishani Dhar and Lambodar Nayak, with his delicate brushstrokes, beautifully captured the essence of nature. Chanchal Krishna Dey’s terracotta figurines and Partha Pratim Sikdar’s art installation featuring a pigeon in an open cage showcased the artistic brilliance of Kala Bhavana’s former students.
An artwork at the exhibition
Amitava Chakraborti showcased a mask at the exhibition, blending Buddha-like features with an Egyptian Pharaoh aura in the headgear, seamlessly bridging the two civilisations. The artists of the Nandan Santiniketan delved on concepts such as nature, human life, freedom, society, urban living, and mythology, breathing life into these ideas through their artworks.
Whether it be the monochrome and dual-tone paintings or the vibrant hues employed in other pieces, the artists painted tales that go beyond the surface. The exhibition featuring a variety of art styles, including paper mache, terracotta, and ceramic — added richness and variety to the event.
Prominent names like Haren Thakur, Arundhati Banerjee, Sharmila Thakur and Bikash Acharjee, among others, also participated in the exhibition as a part of the alumni team.
