A Walkthrough Of The Highlights Of The Art Collection of Ngma

FLO organized a walkthrough the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), the premier art institution of our country, which houses over 17,000 masterpieces of Indian Art on September 18, 2013.

Members were walked through the timeless treasures of the NGMA art collection, by Professor Rajiv Lochan, who is the Director of NGMA since 2001. Professor Lochan, an artist of great repute and an art educationist, shared his knowledge and passion on the subject of Indian Art down the ages. He walked the members through the various styles and discussed the many methods and mediums used. He talked about how art has always been a reflection of society and how it is continuously changing as society is evolving. He shared anecdotes about many famous artists like Tagore and Amrita Shergill, and really brought the subject alive.

After the exciting walkthrough, Prof. Lochan answered the queries of the members, who were abuzz with enthusiasm to understand more about the current Indian art Scenario. Talking about his 13 years of career, during which he organized 153 exhibitions -out of which 46 were international shows, Prof. Lochan said that earnest zeal and passionate fortitude is required to promote any art form. He also added that artistic expression cannot be bound by any means and liberated expressions lead to great art works. He also said that any good art work need not be pretty in itself, it may be grotesque yet beautiful. He cited the example of Picasso’s painting Guernica, which depicts the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts upon individuals, particularly innocent civilians- a painting which is bizarre yet a beautiful art piece.

Jayanti Dalmia, in her address said that the enthusiasm of Prof Lochan was contagious and inspired everyone present. She added that the members were enriched by Prof. Lochan’s huge repertoire of knowledge on art.

Mamta Singhania, Governing Body Member was the Day Chair of the programme. In her concluding remarks, she thanked Prof Lochan and his team for giving a wonderful opportunity to visit NGMA and gain a deeper insight into various art forms and instill a great sense of pride in the heritage and culture of Indian art.