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Pradip Maitra’s Illusion and Reality - a solo exhibition of paintings at Jehangir Art Gallery

ROMARTIKA CORRESPONDENT

Updated: Nov 23, 2024

Pradip Maitra’s latest solo exhibition, ‘Illusion and Reality’, is a poignant reflection on the cultural and intellectual turmoil induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai from October 29th to November 4th, 2024, this exhibition delves into the artist’s personal and collective experiences during the global lockdown.


Maitra’s new series, conceived during the 2019-2020 lockdown, captures the essence of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty. His emotive watercolours, a hallmark of his artistic expression, transform the mundane into profound meditations on knowledge and its confinement. The ‘Book and Lock’ series, inspired by Maitra’s discovery of neglected manuscripts in his daughter’s college library, serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of cultural traditions and the tension between preservation and oblivion.


The exhibition’s central theme revolves around the dominance of technology during the lockdown, with the lock symbolizing barriers to ancestral knowledge. Maitra’s works invite viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between safeguarding cultural legacies and embracing modernity.


Born in 1959 in West Bengal, Pradip Maitra is a seasoned artist with a BFA from the Indian College of Art. His extensive career includes numerous solo and group exhibitions in India and abroad. As a member of the Society of Contemporary Artists, Kolkata, since 1988, Maitra’s paintings have been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Jehangir Art Gallery, the Nehru Centre, and internationally in cities like Bangkok and Hong Kong. His art is part of significant collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, and the Museum of Bengal Art, Kolkata.


‘Illusion and Reality’ is a compelling exhibition that challenges audiences to ponder the interplay between cultural preservation and the relentless march of modernity. Maitra’s evocative watercolours and thoughtful symbolism make this exhibition a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural impacts of the pandemic.


This exhibition is highly recommended for its insightful exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of a seasoned artist. Maitra’s ability to convey deep emotional and intellectual themes through his art makes ‘Illusion and Reality’ a significant contribution to the discourse on cultural preservation in the modern age.

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