Kolkata welcomes unprecedented Kali art ahead of Kali Puja
Maa Kali is considered one of the most powerful feminine forces of Indian mythology. Celebrating her, an art show has been set up in South Kolkata with the works of 12 artists which includes some Bengali masterminds. Most of these artworks featuring the goddess will be exhibited for public viewing for the first time at the show "KOI Kali Puja" on Saturday, November 11.
Exhibition to be held in Kapur Villa
The artwork will be exhibited at Kapur Villa, a private South Kolkata home of art and experiences curator Oiendrila Ray Kapur. Incidentally, the day will also be the venue of journalist and photographer Kounteya Sinha for the unveiling of the Kali Puja at its premises. The show opens for the public at 5:00 pm on Saturday, a day before Kali Puja.
Never seen before artworks
Kapur who is curating the show has brought together over 12 artists and art pieces, many of which aren't available in the open market and are the property of private collectors like the late art connoisseur Dr. Utpal Ray. These artworks are made through various mediums including wood etching, acrylic, graphic art, watercolor, enamel, ceramic, jamdani, and textiles.
Kali, an inspiration for artists over generation
"Kali represents the force of time, carrying both destruction and creation of life and the universe. This makes her unique and has inspired generations of great artists and their work," says Kapur. According to her, the art world has seen very little of this repertoire. "Most artists do it out of their personal reverence and have hardly shown their work," she adds.
Artworks to be displayed are by some renowned artists
A total of 72 artworks will be exhibited at the show. The artists include the legendary Gosto Kumar, famous designer Bobo, renowned ceramic artist Partha Dasgupta, Tantra scholar Dr. Argha Dipta Kar, national award-winning textile artist Sunetra Lahiri, Arjun Prashad, Chonddak Majumder, Srikanta Paul, American artist Jonathan Matas, Priti Roy, Gouri Saha, Rini Seal and Hemal Kapadia.
Everyone's Puja
The puja is called Shobar Pujo or Everyone's Puja, where anyone can walk in and be the host of the puja. The show also will have an all-women opening, with 15 women of repute from the city joining 15 female dhakis. The opening of the show will see a recital of Kali kirtan and the rendition of Swami Vivekananda's poems on Maa Kali.
