Celebrating Bimal Das Gupta with the Tutelage Exhibition

Presented by Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes

New Delhi, November 8, 2024 - Travancore Palace transformed into a haven for art enthusiasts as Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes presented ‘The Tutelage’ – a tribute to the late, legendary abstractionist Bimal Das Gupta (1917-1995). The VIP preview, attended by prominent art patrons, collectors, and cultural influencers, celebrated Das Gupta’s significant contributions to Indian abstractionism and underscored his lasting influence on modern Indian art.

The show was officially opened by Mrs. Uma Jain and Mrs. Manjula Badhwar and inaugurated by the Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Dr Sanjeev Kishor Goutam and veteran arts administrator, former bureaucrat and poet, Ashok Vajpeyi, in the presence of the celebrated actor of Indian cinema of 1960s-1970s and a long-standing patron of the arts, Sharmila Tagore, as well as actress and art enthusiast Lisa Ray.

Guests explored the unique visual language of Bimal Das Gupta, through a collection of works that showcased his innovative use of color, form, and abstraction. The event also featured the launch of a coffee table book written and edited by the show curator Archana Khare-Ghose, offering additional insights into Das Gupta’s life, philosophy, and enduring impact on Indian abstractionism, through the eyes of experts and those who knew him personally and professionally.

The VIP preview was graced by distinguished guests of honour, including Aman Nath, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Lady Kishwar Desai, Alka and Monu Bali, Princess Gayatri, Ramola Bachchan, Jatin Das and Dr. Michael Williams. The event also welcomed other influential figures from the arts and cultural community, such as Jagannath Panda, Rahim Mirza, Shridhar Iyer, Mukesh Sharma, Shabir Hussain Santosh, Himnti Sen, Kanchan Chander, Nupur Kundu.

This gathering celebrated Das Gupta's remarkable legacy, uniting a diverse mix of art lovers and cultural luminaries.

“We are deeply honored to bring Bimal Das Gupta’s work to the forefront once again,” said Uday Jain, Managing Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, the oldest gallery of India with which Das Gupta was one of the earliest artists to be associated at the start of 1940s. “His art has the power to connect across generations, transcending boundaries of time and culture. This exhibition is not just a showcase but a tribute to his vision and the legacy he has left for Indian art.”

Vikram Mayor, Curator of Gallery Silver Scapes, added, “Bimal Das Gupta was a true visionary, and his work continues to inspire new forms of artistic expression. Through ‘The Tutelage,’ we aim to create an intimate space where viewers can experience the profound impact of his abstractionism, and we are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the art community.”

Following the exhibition tour, guests enjoyed an evening of music, cocktails, and a curated dinner, complementing the ambiance of elegance and artistic appreciation. The preview set a distinguished tone for the exhibition’s public viewing on November 9-10, 2024, at Travancore House, New Delhi, from 10 am to 7 pm.

Bimal Das Gupta (1917–1995) was a pioneer in Indian abstractionism, known for blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary artistic practices. Nearly three decades after his tragic passing in a road accident, this landmark event celebrates his immense contribution to Indian abstraction. Despite his untimely demise, which led to his works being overlooked, this exhibition serves as an opportunity to reinstate his profound legacy, showcasing the depth of his artistic innovations and influence. His works often explore themes of nature and spirituality, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the visual narrative and inspiring future generations of artists to experiment with abstraction.