The ‘Tribute to Bat-Tala 2024’ show held in Delhi celebrates the life and times of print-makers, who used bright prints and inventive forms, highlighting the beauty of ordinary life
By Rashi Gupta
From September 15 to 27, 2024, the Kamaladevi Complex’s Art Gallery at the India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi, held a ‘Tribute to Bat-Tala 2024’, an event celebrating the Bat-Tala school of print-making’s rich history and artistic genius. Curated by Ina Puri, this exhibition showcases a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary methods, emphasizing how the Bat-Tala style has created an impact on generations of artists.
The Bat-Tala school takes its name from the banyan tree, which is a popular gathering spot for artists in Chitpore, Kolkata. Initially working under these trees, the early print-makers created remarkable works that swiftly acquired popularity among the people, to the point where the developing art form became known as Bat-Tala.
This inherited tradition gave rise to a distinct art genre, with works ranging from mythological and religious themes, to satirical compositions that criticized the socio-economic realities of the day. The Bat-Tala style grew over the decades and continues to inspire artists and ordinary folks, particularly those working in print-making.
The IIC’s art galleries hosted two parallel displays as part of the ‘Tribute to Bat-Tala 2024’ event. The first show featured the works of renowned painters such as Akbar Padamsee, Bhupen Khakkar, Arpita Singh and Jatin Das, to name a few.
These pioneers in the Indian art scene have made significant contributions, pushing the boundaries of conventional print-making, while preserving the essence of Bat-Tala culture. Their work explore a diverse range of themes, including spirituality, human emotions and social reality. Their proficiency lies not only in their craft, but also in their ability to combine age-old traditions with current sensibilities, resulting in pieces that touch strongly with contemporary audiences.
The second exhibition featured work by both established and young artists, continuing Bat-Tala’s legacy, while providing fresh viewpoints. Names like Dattatraya Apte, G R Iranna, Sidharth and Debashish Mukherjee reflect a group of artists who have painstakingly kept this distinct print-making style alive and relevant in modern times.
Their works, using bright prints and inventive forms, highlight the beauty of ordinary life, societal difficulties, and the artist’s inner world. This roster also includes emerging talents like Shovin Bhattacharya and Ajit Seal, showcasing how the Bat-Tala style evolves while maintaining its core skills.
This exhibition is more than simply a visual feast; it’s a cultural conversation. It urges visitors to think about how art interacts with the society that creates it.
This aesthetic tradition, which originated on the streets of Chitpore, acted as a mirror reflecting the deeper intricacies of life in Kolkata and Bengal. From religious imagery to cutting social satire and caricature, these prints tell the story of a civilization in eternal transition, capturing its intricacies with a sharp yet sympathetic eye. The creative work on show embody the same artistic spirit, merging past and present, tradition and innovation, in ways that both challenge and inspire.
The ‘Tribute to Bat-Tala 2024’ exhibition, a partnership with Art Magnum, is more than just an exhibition. It’s a celebration of India’s cultural legacy, demonstrating how an ancient tradition can still inspire innovation across generations.
Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado, or new to the world of print-making, this exhibition promises a one-of-a-kind journey into the beauty and culture of an incredible aesthetic inheritance, that, like the banyan tree, is still growing and spreading its roots.