The closing ceremony of UTKALIKA – A Show of Modern Art, an exclusive exhibition from the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, was observed today at Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar.
The exhibition was jointly organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and the Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA), underscoring their commitment to promoting modern and contemporary art in India.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi graced the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Gautam, Director General, NGMA, and Ramakrishna Vedala, Regional Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, Director General of NGMA, New Delhi, spearheaded this innovative initiative to generate global awareness of Indian modern and contemporary art. “UTKALIKA is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of India’s rich artistic legacy. It aims to inspire creativity, foster learning, and create a dialogue between the past and the present,” said Dr. Goutam.
Speaking on the occasion, Kshitish Chandra Das, Coordinator, emphasized the necessity of an NGMA branch in Odisha. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has appealed to the Government of India for establishing a new branch of NGMA in The Temple city Bhubaneswar, stating that such an initiative will provide a golden platform for Odia artists while boosting international tourism in the state.
UTKALIKA – A Show of Modern Art was inaugurated on 6 January 2025 in conjunction with the 18th Bharatiya Pravasi Divas, which was hosted in Bhubaneswar from 8 to 10 January 2025. The exhibition remained open to the public until 28 February 2025, attracting art lovers, students, and scholars eager to explore the evolution of modern and contemporary Indian art.
The exhibition showcased an exquisite collection of masterpieces from the NGMA, Mumbai branch, featuring works by India’s most celebrated artists. The exhibition journeyed through the rich legacy of the Progressive Artists Group, the visionary expressions of contemporary masters, and the pioneering works of 19th-century artists who laid the foundation of modern Indian art.
Visitors were captivated by the works of S. H. Raza, renowned for his geometric abstractions; M. F. Hussain, whose dynamic canvases depict the vibrancy of Indian culture; and F. N. Souza, whose bold and thought-provoking works redefine artistic norms. Other luminaries featured in the exhibition included Tyeb Mehta, V. S. Gaitonde, Ram Kumar, and Akbar Padamsee, each of whom contributed significantly to India’s artistic heritage.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with stakeholders from the art community expressing hope for the establishment of an NGMA branch in Bhubaneswar, which could transform the city into a thriving hub for modern and contemporary art.
