‘Gandhi’s India and India’s Gandhi’ is an abstract impression of Father of Nation

‘Gandhi’s India and India’s Gandhi’ is an exhibition at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery which will be on view from October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanti. Acrylic on canvas paintings by Raju Sutar are abstracts that use archive photographs of Mahatma Gandhi,

“Till date, globally, India is perceived as ‘Gandhi’s India,” says Raju Sutar. “He was, at that time, the most photographed personality in the world. And, in today’s scenario – in the world and especially India – I felt the need of bringing back the Gandhi. Hence the exhibition.”

While Sutar chooses acrylic on canvas the medium, they are not just straightforward paintings. Each is an installation of two canvases – one with a print of an archival photo with paint and one just paint. “I wanted two images in one painting,” informs Sutar. “One, the image we see, and the second, the image I perceive,” he elucidates. “I perceive him as a very strong person, though he comes across to most as introvert and sometimes subtle.”

The strength perceived by Sutar is obvious in his bold strokes and earthy hues of colour.

Gallery Director Pooja Bajaj mentions that this is another step towards their goal to create a dynamic space for dialogue, is experienced as both cultural exchange and collective exploration.