Sudhir Khastgir: The Rhythms of Refuge
Explore Sudhir Khastgir's artistic journey at Project 88's retrospective, showcasing his paintings, drawings, and prints. Curated by Prof. R Siva Kumar, the exhibition highlights the emotional depth and dynamic style of this noted modernist.
Project 88, in collaboration with Galerie 88, Kolkata, presents Sudhir Khastgir: The Rhythms of Refuge, a comprehensive retrospective of the noted modernist and pedagogue Sudhir Ranjan Khastgir (1907–1974). Curated by renowned art historian Prof. R Siva Kumar, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the diverse oeuvre of an artist who has left an indelible mark on Indian modern art. The exhibition showcases a rich collection of Khastgir's paintings, drawings, and prints, many of which have never been exhibited in Mumbai before.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Sudhir Khastgir, born in 1907 in Chittagong (present-day Bangladesh), was an early disciple of Nandalal Bose at Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan. His contemporaries included luminaries like Ramkinkar Baij. Khastgir's artistic journey took him through various cultural hubs in India, including Lucknow and Bombay, before he settled into a teaching role at the Scindia School in Gwalior and later at the Doon School in Dehradun. His tenure as an educator was not only a testament to his pedagogical prowess but also a period during which he influenced many of India's future bureaucrats, political leaders, and artists.
The Collaboration and Curation
Supriya Banerjee, founder of Galerie 88, shares insights into the collaboration and the curatorial process. She recounts how the relationship with Khastgir's work began: "Shyamoli Khastgir, the artist’s daughter, approached us in the early 1990s, expressing her willingness to showcase the entire collection with Galerie 88. Since then, we have had four solo exhibitions featuring Khastgir's works in 1997, 2003, 2008, and 2018." This ongoing partnership has allowed Galerie 88 to bring Khastgir's artistic legacy to a broader audience, culminating in this expansive retrospective.
The exhibition, curated by Prof. R Siva Kumar, is designed to highlight the emotional depth and dynamic style of Khastgir's art. As Kumar eloquently describes, "Anyone looking at his paintings and drawings carefully will not fail to notice that his flowering trees and dancers are not merely joyful but as ecstatic as his representations of passionate lovers. An energy that borders on libidinal outpouring runs through their bodies." This emotional resonance offers a nuanced view of Khastgir's works, which often depict an underlying disquiet, akin to the expressive turmoil seen in Van Gogh's landscapes.
Themes and Impact
The retrospective aims to celebrate Khastgir's versatility, from his evocative paintings of Indian mythologies and rural life to his lesser-known sculptures of military generals. Banerjee emphasizes Khastgir's unique position as an early modernist in Indian art, who, while following the "Indian style" influenced by Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, carved his own path. "His paintings are known for their textured surfaces and robust line rhythms, distinct from the smooth tonalities of the Neo-Bengal School," she notes.
Khastgir's impact extended beyond his artistic creations; he was also a beloved teacher. His former students fondly remember him as a soft-spoken and caring educator. Banerjee reflects on his influence, quoting a former student who said, "He never displayed any trace of the grievous tragedy that struck him early in his married life. He bore his wound with courage and fortitude." This nurturing aspect of his personality is reflected in the exhibition, acknowledging his contributions to arts education in India.
Looking ahead
Organizing a retrospective of an artist no longer alive poses unique challenges, from sourcing artworks to faithfully representing the artist's vision. Banerjee acknowledges the responsibility of presenting Khastgir's works to a new generation. "It's our duty to showcase the artist's unique style and emotional depth in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences," she asserts. The collaboration with Prof. Siva Kumar ensured that the exhibition does justice to Khastgir's profound and eclectic body of work.
Sudhir Khastgir: The Rhythms of Refuge promises to be a significant cultural event, offering a deep dive into the life and art of a seminal figure in Indian modernism. The exhibition will run at Project 88 in Mumbai from 8 August to 14 September 2024.
