Kol pays tribute to Baij with his masterpieces, works of other greats
Times of India | 30 March 2025
123456 Kolkata: Kolkata paid tribute to the legendary iconoclast Ramkinkar Baij with a mega art exhibition at Nazrul Tirtha in New Town. The exhibition showcases not only his paintings and sculptures but also works contributed by several other artists in honour of his legacy.
The exhibition was inaugurated by National Gallery of Modern Art director general Sanjeev Kishore Gautam, British Council New Delhi director of education Rittika Chanda Parruck, and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Prayag Shukla. The exhibition will continue until Monday evening.
Six works of Baij — four paintings and two sculptures — were displayed to celebrate his profound contributions to modern Indian art. "The exhibition, titled ‘Exploring Ideas of Progress', is an invitation to art enthusiasts, critics, and admirers to experience Baij's bold and experimental style up close. As a pioneer of modern Indian sculpture and painting, Baij's fearless creativity continues to inspire new generations of artists," said curator Chandrima Das.
Alongside his works, the exhibition featured masterpieces from legendary artists like MF Hussain, Abdhjur Rahman Chugtai, Prodosh Dasgupta, KG Subramanian, Tyeb Mehta, Jangarh Singh Shyam, and stalwarts of the Indian modernist movement Lalu Prasad Shaw and Niranjan Prasad. These were also displayed in separate sections at the exhibition.
By showcasing these distinguished artists, the exhibition sparked a dynamic dialogue between past and present, reinforcing Baij's influence on modern Indian art. A major highlight of the event was an exclusive live painting session where prominent artists from across the country drew inspiration from Baij's techniques and philosophies to create artwork.
An interactive session deepened audience engagement, offering a rare glimpse into Baij's life, creative journey, and artistic contributions, revealing lesser-known aspects of his personality and evolution as an artist. "Ramkinkar Baij was a visionary, far ahead of his time. Baij's artistic journey was defined by fearless experimentation and radical ideas. The exhibition aims to celebrate his trailblazing spirit and showcase how his work continues to inspire contemporary Indian artists," added Das.
Reacting to the overwhelming response to the show, exhibition organiser Vijay Prabhat Shukla said: "It is truly gratifying to see such enthusiasm for Ramkinkar Baij's work. This exhibition is not just a tribute but also a platform to reignite conversations about his contributions to Indian art. We hope this inspires a new generation of artists and art lovers to explore and appreciate his legacy."
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