In a career that spans over six decades, Amitabh Sengupta has emerged as a towering figure in the art world, earning global recognition for his large abstract works that seamlessly blend European modernism with Indian cross-cultural experiences. Having concluded a retrospective at the Birla Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, last year, Sengupta now presents a new chapter with his exhibition “ODYSSEY” at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
This exhibition features 30 carefully selected works from his retrospective, including three monumental canvases, among which “Banadevi” and “Banadevta” stand out as a stellar pair. These works weave abstraction into mythic figures, showcasing Sengupta’s brilliance as both a figurative and abstract master. The mythic essence of the figures is emblematic of his ability to bridge tradition with modernity.
Critic Uma Nair lauds Sengupta, stating, “Sengupta is both intellect as well as aesthete of a rare order. His most important collector in India is the distinguished Kiran Nadar, who acquired his work in 2005 at Taj Mansingh in Delhi.” According to Nair, Sengupta’s oeuvre is deeply rooted in his observations of antiquity, featuring influences from rock paintings, pyramidal wonders, and hieroglyphics. His works embody a balance between stunning figurative studies and abstract art, offering art lovers a spectrum of experiences. Nair adds, “We can imagine the beauty and power of ancient scripts through his textured terrains, which evoke sunrises and sunsets in subtle, resonant shades.”
Sarala Bannerjee of Artworld Chennai, who discovered Sengupta years ago, emphasizes his mastery over diverse mediums. She highlights the tactile quality of his works, saying, “In this exhibition, it is the register of his touch and his tensile and tactile understanding that defines the beauty of his pliant brush. Viewers are left to imagine the fluid flow of molten lava as well as landscapes bathed in a sea of prismatic colors.”
Sengupta’s journey in art began with his education at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1966 to 1969. During the 1970s and 1980s, he exhibited extensively in Paris, delving deeply into abstraction and symbolism. His time in Nigeria added another dimension to his work, as he incorporated African cultural motifs into his modern abstract style, exhibiting at the National Museum in Lagos.
In the 1990s, Sengupta returned to India, becoming a prominent figure in the Indian art scene. He held major solo exhibitions at esteemed venues, including the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai, the Birla Academy of Art & Culture in Kolkata, and Artworld Sarala’s Centre in Chennai. His works have also been showcased in international exhibitions across New York, London, and Tokyo, cementing his global appeal.
The “ODYSSEY” exhibition at Bikaner House opens on January 31, 2025, and runs until February 12, 2025. It will culminate in the launch of Sengupta’s book, published by Artworld, which chronicles his artistic journey over six decades. This richly illustrated volume, featuring essays on his work, will be unveiled by renowned architect and fashion designer Meera Ali on February 8, 2025, at Kalamkar, Bikaner House, New Delhi.
Sengupta’s legacy is a testament to his ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, creating art that resonates across time and space. “ODYSSEY” reflects the depth and diversity of his work, celebrating a lifetime of artistic excellence.
