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When I think of Jatin Das, the words ‘living legend’ spring to mind. Born in 1941 in Odisha, India, the veteran artist has made six decades of unmatched contribution to contemporary Indian art. Das embarked on his artistic journey at the tender age of seventeen when he ventured to the renowned Sir JJ School of Art in Mumbai. The school celebrated the inauguration of its art gallery by showcasing a solo exhibition of Das' captivating paintings. During his decade-long sojourn in Mumbai, he established his studio in 1959 at the Bhulabhai Memorial Institute, where he found himself in the esteemed company of artists such as MF Hussain and Vasudeo Gaitonde.
Subsequently, he made his way to Delhi, where he has since made his abode. Over the span of sixty years, Das has curated and presented over 80 solo exhibitions across the globe, serving as a distinguished ambassador for Indian art at prestigious events like the Venice and Tokyo Biennales, among numerous other showcases. His preferred mediums of expression include oil, ink, watercolor, and conté, through which he masterfully crafts poetic and primal representations of human figures that exude a timeless and ethereal quality, seemingly suspended between stillness and motion, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries. Notably, his monumental 7x68ft mural, The Journey of India: Mohenjo-Daro to Mahatma Gandhi, adorns the walls of the Old Parliament in New Delhi, a testament to his artistic prowess.
Beyond his prowess in painting and drawing, Das is celebrated for his versatility in working with a diverse array of mediums. Not content with merely leaving a mark on the art world through his own creations, he took the initiative to establish the JD Centre of Art in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. This visionary endeavor aims to serve as a sanctuary for the preservation and exhibition of classical, modern, traditional, and folk art, all housed under a single roof. The centre, currently under construction, is poised to showcase Das' 40-year collection of modern art, antiques, handicrafts, textiles, and art books, thereby solifying his legacy as a custodian of Indian artistic heritage.
The Padma Bhushan recipient Jatin Das is known for his reticence in exhibiting his work and discussing his artistic endeavors. So, you can imagine what a rare and exciting opportunity it is for art enthusiasts when the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Delhi inaugurated the exhibition titled 'Jatin Das – A Retrospective: 1963-2023' on the 8th of November this year. As you walk through the exhibition, you view Das' illustrious career unfolding, presenting a lifetime's worth of paintings on canvas and paper, drawings in conté and ink, watercolors, sculptures, graphics, as well as an array of terracotta, ceramic, and porcelain platters, and pinch toys. Furthermore, the exhibition will provide a glimpse into Das' literary prowess, featuring his poems and profound insights into art and life.
This retrospective was long overdue. It was not easy to make a selection for the show. What you see is only the tip of the iceberg. I got the chance to distance myself and view the works as a viewer. I struggle with the dichotomy that I live on the sale of my paintings, but I do not paint to sell. I am almost 83, and have been working for over 60 years. How time has escaped from my hands! I am a painter wanting to become an artist. And to be an artist, you need two or three lives. One life is not enough.”
Jatin Das, speaking about his retrosepctive at the NGMA, Delhi
Along with the retrospective, a series of events, walkthroughs and workshops are planned during the exhibition. Some of the main highlights are:
Nov-26, 12 pm onwards
Artist walkthrough by the curator Jatin Das
Dec -2, 5:00 pm onwards
Launch of the exhibition book with an interactive session
Dec -9, 11:00 am onwards
Interactive workshop with college art students -
Topic: The making of an artist or Becoming of an artist
Dec -16, 6:30 pm onwards
Museum Night with Jatin Das
Interactive session with Jatin Das and an eminent art critic.
Dec -19, 1:00 pm onwards
Masterclass with Jatin Das
Portrait workshop with Jatin Das for college art students
Dec- 21, 5:00 pm onwards
A talk by Jatin Das on the importance of preserving folk and tribal art.
Jan -6, 6:30 pm onwards
Museum Night with Jatin Das
A special preview of the projection mapping show of NGMA/ slide show/ documentary
Jatin Das, a solitary wanderer of artistic realms, transcends the ordinary with his eccentric visions. His creative genius remains timeless and relevant. Like a true artistic sage, Jatin Das paints the world through the lens of his unique perception, crafting masterpieces that dance to his own rhythm.”
Ms. Temsunaro Jamir Tripathi Director, NGMA, Delhi
Jatin Das – A Retrospective: 1963-2023
On view till: January 7, 2024
Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi
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