Opinion NGMA director writes: No walls in the house of art

At the heart of the NGMA’s collection are captivating works regarded as the navaratnas of Indian art. Among them are the scintillating oeuvres of Amrita Sher-Gil, whose iconic pieces like Three Girls and Haldi Grinders have become synonymous with the esteemed institution. The year 1954 marked a pivotal moment when a sculpture competition attracted master sculptors from across India, with Devi Prasad Roy Choudhury’s Triumph of Labour — the winning entry — standing prominently on the institution’s front lawn, symbolising the unwavering contribution of the working class in nation building. Under the guidance of influential figures like Hermann Goetz and Prodosh Dasgupta, the NGMA expanded its collection to include luminaries such as M F Husain and S Bakre and the works of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group. The NGMA has also welcomed international luminaries, including Henry Moore and Robert Rauschenberg.

The NGMA, in addition to housing an extensive collection of works by indigenous artists, showcases a comprehensive collection of Oriental artworks. These include pieces by renowned artists such as Thomas and William Daniell, William Hodges as well as works by other significant but lesser-known artists. These artists delved into a wide range of themes, playing a vital role in constructing the idea of the Orient. In the post-colonial era, it is crucial to reassess and recontextualise these artworks, as they were often created under the constraints of the Eurocentric and colonial perspective of the time. To explore the underlying context of artworks, the NGMA actively collaborates with young research scholars who possess a distinct interest in exploring the museum’s collection.

One of the standout characteristics of the NGMA is its dedication to commemorating the historical importance of art movements and collectives, ranging from the Calcutta Group to Cholamandalam to the Delhi Shilpi Chakra, as well as the art institutions in Baroda, Mumbai and Shantiniketan. This approach distinguishes the NGMA as a custodian of India’s rich artistic heritage, committed to preserving and showcasing the country’s artistic legacy.

A feature of the NGMA’s ethos is inclusivity. It strives to flatten barriers and make art and museums accessible to all. Throughout the year, NGMA initiates various outreach programmes, which include art workshops, interactive talks, and storytelling sessions, ensuring that art education is not confined to a select few. Recognising the impact of print literature, NGMA’s publications division strives to connect with art aficionados who are unable to visit the museum, ensuring they can still engage with the museum’s offerings.

The NGMA boasts one of the most proficient teams of conservators in the field who actively participate in renowned international events like the International Council of Museums — Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC) conferences and other prestigious global conservation and museum training and fellowship programmes. Their responsibilities extend beyond the confines of this institution, as they collaborate with fellow Indian museum professionals on diverse conservation projects. This collaborative and outward-looking approach underscores their commitment to preserving and safeguarding India’s cultural heritage on both national and international fronts.

The hologram statue of Netaji Subhas Bose, unveiled on his 125th birth anniversary by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, occupies a significant place within the NGMA. What initially began as a commissioned work soon evolved into a heartfelt and enduring connection for the museum. This project not only solidified a strong bond between the NGMA and the contributing artists but also with the statue itself, which now proudly stands across the street, near India Gate.

The NGMA, New Delhi, also hosted a distinctive art workshop, Kala Kumbh, organised as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, aimed at creating enormous scrolls measuring approximately 750 m in length. These scrolls were meticulously painted to portray stories of courage and the valour exhibited by the often-overlooked heroes of India’s Independence struggle. These enormous scrolls were exhibited at Rajghat as part of the Republic Day celebration in 2022.

The NGMA also stands out as one of the rare premier museums that not only hosts international cultural exchange programmes and exhibitions but also actively engages in these initiatives by lending masterpieces from its extensive collection. This serves to invigorate global dialogue on Indian art.

As a representative member of the ICOM, the NGMA, under the Ministry of Culture, organised two groundbreaking exhibitions on May 18, 2022. One of these exhibitions, ‘Hastantaran’, dwelled on the artistic and spiritual evolution of Nandalal Bose (1882-1966). On the other hand, ‘Kshetragya’ celebrated India’s national artistic treasures, with a special emphasis on the contributions of luminaries like Benode Behari Mukherjee and Ramkinkar Baij.

In its quest to become a comprehensive cultural space, the NGMA has expanded to include an auditorium, a preview theatre, a library, three restaurants, and an art shop. As a testament to its reputation, NGMA had the privilege of hosting the spouses of G20 world leaders, showcasing the country’s rich art and cultural heritage and its commitment to diplomacy through art.

The NGMA also recently hosted the logo launch event of the seminal India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale 2023, an event that signifies the institution’s pivotal role in fostering creativity and innovation in the fields of art, architecture and design. The NGMA’s grand infrastructure played a crucial role in making these events successful. Its state-of-the-art facilities, spacious galleries and iconic architecture provided a fitting backdrop for such prestigious gatherings. The NGMA’s ability to seamlessly blend art, architecture and culture has made it a prominent cultural institution not only in India but also on the global stage.

As the Jaipur House and the NGMA continue their journey from 1936 to 2023, they remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving India’s artistic heritage, fostering creativity, and welcoming all who seek to be enriched by the world of art. The NGMA’s evolution into a dynamic cultural institution reflects how art transcends boundaries, challenges norms, and connects people from all walks of life. As the institution evolves, it will actively engage in the global artistic dialogue while clinging to its indigenous creative and cultural roots.

The writer is director, National Gallery of Modern Art