An exhibition showcases innovative artworks created at the cusp of India-s Independence, where painted backgrounds and cut-outs from prints clashed to present ideas of nation-building
This collage is symbolic of the ideological rift between Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, which culminated in the Tripuri meeting of the All India Congress Committee. Pattabhi Sitaramayya (first from left) was Gandhis candidate for the pres
As India-s freedom struggle began to reach a crescendo in the 1940s, patriotic fervour could not just be seen on the streets but also in art — with a dash of ingenuity. To stir nationalistic sentiments in the common man and present a comment on the political goings-on of the time, collages were created with backgrounds painted by women artists of Nathdwara juxtaposed against cut-outs from prints in national circulation.
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Created after Gandhi-s assassination, the collage above deifies the Father of the Nation as it depicts him ascending to heaven. As Gandhi blesses India, which he has become synonymous with, he is blessed by Rama and Sita. Untitled mid-20th century, chromolithograph, 19 x 13.50 in
These broadsides, the find-spot of which are the havelis of Shekavati in Rajasthan, can be viewed at What Freedom Looks Like, an exhibition researched and curated by Aditya Ruia."The collages provide an insight into the local understanding of larger events taking place in the country," says Ruia.
Aditya Ruia has also curated an exhibition with art from Shekavati, themed on classic literature
"It is difficult to find parallel examples of the creative enterprise seen in these collages," says gallerist Mortimer Chatterjee of Chatterjee & Lal, which is hosting the exhibition. Ruia gives us a brief curatorial walkthrough, ahead of the exhibition.
A symbolic scene from the political situation of a newly independent India, it depicts Bharat Mata handing over the reins of the nation to its first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, while the foreground shows Mahatma Gandhi walking away from active politics with his associates, Sushila Nayar and Miraben. The bridge also signifies Nehru-s vision of modernising India. Untitled mid-20th century, watercolour and collaged chromolithograph, 14 x 22.50 in.
From: July 26 to August 18, 11 am to 7 pm
At: Chatterjee & Lal, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba.
Call: 22023787
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