Festivals

FESTIVALS: BENGAL TIGER’S ARTISTIC TRIBUTE IN KOLKATA

by Editorial Desk February 21 2025, 12:00 am Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins, 37 secs

Celebrating the 210th anniversary of the Indian Museum, Kolkata, ‘Dialogues Across Time’ brings the Bengal Tiger to life through art, culture, and conservation, uniting heritage with contemporary vision. The #Newsdesk reports…

The Indian Museum in Kolkata marks its 210th anniversary with ‘Dialogues Across Time,’ an exhibition blending heritage with contemporary art. Running from January 11 to March 31, 2025, this milestone event features ‘Eye of the Tiger,’ a striking collection of over 100 paintings by 200 village artists from Ranthambore, curated by Jalpa H. Vithalani of Cosmic Heart Gallery. This initiative not only highlights the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger but also cultivates conservation awareness and supports local artists. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s presence at the inauguration stresses the significance of this collaboration between the Basu Foundation and the Ministry of Culture.

An Artistic Homage to the Bengal Tiger

The Indian Museum in Kolkata is celebrating its 210th anniversary with the landmark exhibition, ‘Dialogues Across Time,’ presented by the Basu Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The exhibition, which runs from January 11 to March 31, 2025, was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism. This grand event reflects the blend of India’s heritage and contemporary artistic expressions.

Among the highlights is the spectacular project ‘Eye of the Tiger,’ curated by Jalpa H. Vithalani of Cosmic Heart Gallery. This collection, featuring over 100 paintings by more than 200 village artists from the Ranthambore School of Art, pays a breathtaking tribute to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Artists from the Sawai Madhopur region have meticulously crafted their works using poster colours and charcoal, bringing the majestic feline to life with incredible detail.

Each painting encapsulates the essence of the tiger, from its striking stripes to its piercing eyes, embodying its power, grace, and enigma. These masterpieces serve not only as visual marvels but also as a call to action for tiger conservation. The project stands as an artistic attempt to create awareness about preserving India’s national animal. 

Bridging Art, Conservation, and Community

The ‘Eye of the Tiger’ initiative transcends art, fostering a deep connection between creativity and conservation. With each brushstroke, these paintings highlight the beauty and vulnerability of the Royal Bengal Tiger while supporting the artists who bring them to life. This project is a testament to the power of art in advocating for wildlife protection and community empowerment.

Jalpa H. Vithalani, the visionary behind Cosmic Heart Gallery, has debuted her own tiger paintings at the prestigious Indian Museum as part of this exhibition. Her collaboration with the village artists is a significant contribution to the preservation of artistic traditions while raising awareness about the urgent need for conservation efforts.

By supporting these artists and their families, the project underscores the Cosmic Heart Gallery’s commitment to sustaining homegrown talent. It nurtures a sustainable community of artists while spotlighting the socioeconomic significance of artistic engagement. This initiative ensures that traditional art forms remain relevant while promoting ecological consciousness.

A Celebration of Heritage and Contemporary Vision

‘Dialogues Across Time’ is a remarkable confluence of history and modern artistry. Curated by Sayantan Maitra Boka, the exhibition features works by legendary artists such as F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, Jaysree Burman, and Subodh Gupta, weaving together India’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary artistic expression. This interplay of past and present forms the heart of the Indian Museum’s milestone celebration.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s presence at the inauguration emphasises the government’s dedication to cultural heritage and environmental initiatives. The Basu Foundation’s collaboration with the Ministry of Culture has enabled this exhibition to flourish, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The Cosmic Heart Gallery, in its commitment to artistic excellence and wildlife conservation, has curated this show uniquely, presenting the Bengal tiger in its raw and majestic form. Each painting captures the spirit of the wild, urging viewers to embrace the primal rhythm of life and recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings. As curator Jalpa H. Vithalani shares, “Each painting is like a photograph; that is how alive & detailed these breathtaking compositions are. The masterpieces remind us to embrace the qualities of the majestic cat, tapping into our primal instincts, courage, and fortitude.