Renowned Indian artist Amrita Sher-Gil is known for her evocative works about women. Considered as one of the pioneers in the Indian art world, she captured the many moods of females hailing from diverse backgrounds. The Hungarian-Indian painter’s self-portraits also depict her myriad emotions. Now, some of her unseen works are on display for the first time at Akara Art Gallery as part of its 10th celebrations. Titled Amrita Sher-Gil — Perhaps it will fly away if I get up, it showcases the artist’s watercolours, drawings and a self-portrait in oil. It also includes painter and niece Navina Sundaram’s documentary film Amrita Sher-Gil, a Family Album, which shares a personal account of the artist’s life and work. The show, which derives its name from a 1943 poem penned by Amrita, chronicles her life from Hungary, Shimla, Paris and back to India.
Puneet Shah, founder of Akara Art, talks about the significance of this exhibition and his space celebrating a decade..
What prompted you to kick-start Akara Arts’ 10-year celebration by showcasing rare and unseen works of Amrita Sher Gil?
As an artist, Amrita Sher-Gil’s stature and contribution to Modern Indian art is unparalled. Her works are eloquent and beautiful. We have been dealing in her works for a while now, and I personally love them, thus kickstarting our 10th year with showcasing some rare and unseen creations by her was an obvious choice.
What are your impressions of them?
The works are insightful and each is a depiction of a private moment or note. They are discreet and alluring, yet powerful and masterful in their depictions.
Untitled works by Amrita Sher-Gil
How do you look back at Akara Art’s 10-year journey?
It has been quite a good one, and more importantly a progressive one. The course kind of unfolded and planned itself out for me like it was meant to be.
What have been the biggest highlights?
The biggest highlight would be moving from a consultancy and advisory to a gallery set up.
What was the idea/philosophy behind setting up Akara Art?
The idea was a 100 per cent pursual of my passion. In 2009, when I set up Akara Art, I knew that this was my calling. When I started the gallery space I was certain I wanted to show quality art and content that was fresh to the market. We aimed at showcasing both modern and contemporary art which, put together, is a kind of niche in itself.
Untitled works by Amrita Sher-Gil
What are the other events that you have planned as part of the 10-year celebrations?
A solo exhibit of works by FN Souza, an exhibition of works by MF Husain and SH Raza have been lined up for this year. We will host Utkarsh Makwana, a young contemporary artist’s first solo exhibition in Mumbai. We will also host Bhagyashree Suthar’s second solo exhibition.
Amrita Sher-Gil - Perhaps it will fly away if I get up will be on till May 8 at Akara Art, Colaba from 11 am - 6:30 pm.
