"Sultanate of Oman has a rich cultural heritage," says acclaimed art curator Meghna Vyas Arora, who was in Muscat recently to attend an important cultural event at the National Museum of Oman.
She felt the cultural nerve of the country during her "short yet fruitful" stay in Muscat and her visit to the National Museum to curate the ongoing exhibition titled 'India on Canvas' – a presentation of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi in collaboration with the National Museum of Oman.
The exhibition will run until January 31, 2024, showcasing the artworks of iconic artists Raja Ravi Varma, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, and Amrita Sher-Gil, among others.
"The exhibition is a significant celebration of India's rich artistic heritage. It is featuring the artworks declared as 'national treasures'. The exhibits are not only the creative brilliance but also highlight the historical and cultural significance of their contributions to Indian art. The paintings serve as powerful narratives, conveying stories of struggle, triumph, spirituality, and social change, thus reflecting the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of India," said Meghna while commenting on why the exhibition is special.
Modern Indian school of painting, according to her, is distinctive. "The art of the Indian subcontinent is a captivating amalgamation of diverse and innovative ideas. The richness of Indian art is deeply rooted in the country's cultural diversity, which is influenced by a multitude of beliefs, languages, traditions, and historical influences. This diversity has given rise to a multifaceted approach to art, where various styles, techniques, and themes coexist and interact."
She called India's art heritage incredibly vast and varied, encompassing classical forms like classical art, dance, music, and traditional arts and crafts, as well as contemporary art forms such as modern painting, sculpture, and digital art. Each India region has unique artistic traditions, reflecting cultural and historical influences.
"Indian art often incorporates spiritual and philosophical ideas, resulting in art that is not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful and thought-provoking. Themes of mythology, spirituality, nature, and social issues are frequently explored, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expression. India's art scene is visually captivating and intellectually stimulating, with artists exploring a wide range of subjects, from mythology to social issues."
She called the collaboration between NGMA and the National Museum of Oman significant due to their roles as custodians of art, heritage and culture. "Oman values and appreciates art. The Omani government and institutions like the National Museum of Oman have shown significant support for the arts and cultural initiatives."
Similarly, the NGMA is a leading and esteemed museum in India. It was inaugurated on March 29, 1954. Housed in Jaipur House, New Delhi, the NGMA expanded over time due to its growing art collection, necessitating the construction of a new wing. Both Jaipur House and the New Wing now serve as repositories of India's cultural heritage, spanning over 150 years of visual arts, she said.
"The gallery's prestigious, extensive and diverse art collection, dating back to the 1850s, showcases India's artistic past while celebrating modernist interventions and contemporary expressions. It has approximately eighteen thousand works of art in its collection, including paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculptures, photography, ceramics, installations and new media."
Commenting on the importance of the 'India on Canvas' exhibition in promoting cultural collaboration between India and Oman, Meghna said, "Art exhibitions like this play a vital role in fostering cultural exchange, promoting artistic dialogue, and enhancing mutual understanding between nations. They offer a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a country while encouraging viewers to appreciate the universal themes. Through initiatives like these, art becomes a bridge that connects people, fostering a shared appreciation for creativity and cultural heritage."
"Art exhibitions promote goodwill between nations. They create positive interactions that can extend beyond the realm of art and contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations. These initiatives create an atmosphere where art becomes a universal language that enriches and fosters connections. Such exhibitions play a vital role in promoting mutual respect among nations," she said.
Meghna sensed Oman's love and appreciation for art and called the works of contemporary artists "Omani society's deep-rooted appreciation for its heritage where artists often draw inspiration from the country's history, traditions, and natural beauty."
Oman values and appreciates art. She said that the Omani government and institutions like the National Museum of Oman have shown significant support for the arts and cultural initiatives.
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