The Babu and the Bazaar exhibition at DAG Fort in Mumbai presents a rare collection of 19th-century Bengal paintings, emphasizing the unique styles of Kalighat and early Bengal oil paintings.
This exhibit offers a glimpse into the artistic traditions of Bengal during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a period marked by cultural and social transformations.
Kalighat paintings, known for their bold lines and vibrant colors, often depicted everyday life and social themes, reflecting the dynamic urban culture of Kolkata.
The exhibition not only celebrates the aesthetic value of these artworks but also their historical significance, illustrating the intersection of traditional Indian art with colonial influences.
By focusing on oil paintings from this era, the show highlights a medium less commonly associated with Indian art of the period, offering fresh perspectives on Bengal's artistic evolution.
Visitors can explore how these paintings capture the essence of the 'babu' culture and the bustling bazaars, symbolizing the socio-economic changes of the time.
"The Babu and the Bazaar" thus serves as a cultural bridge, connecting contemporary audiences with Bengal's rich artistic past through a curated selection of rare and evocative works.
This exhibition complements other contemporary art shows in Mumbai, such as Manoj Jain's debut at Soho House and Shikh Sabbir Alam's environmental-themed collection at Experimenter, highlighting the city's vibrant art scene.
“The Babu and the Bazaar” - DAG, Fort This exhibition at DAG features art from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Bengal, with a focus on Kalighat and early Bengal paintings done in oil. DAG Fort in Mumbai unveils "The Babu and the Bazaar," an exhibition showcasing rare 19th-century Bengal paintings, focusing on Kalighat and early Bengal oil paintings, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of the region during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
