IMAGINARIUM 4.0
Emami Art Annual All India Open Call 2024
Awards and Exhibition
Preview and Award Ceremony on November 8, at 5 PM
Walkthrough with artists on November 8, at 6:30 PM
Exhibition Dates: November 8 2024 – January 11, 2025
Venue: Emami Art: Gallery 1, Ground Floor
Avijit Dutta (First), Poojan Gupta (Second), Sayanee Sarkar (Third), Bhaskar Jyoti Bordoloi Sudip Jana, Gayathri AP, Poorvi Sultania, Ritwika Ganguly, and Bhanu Shrivastav
Overview
Emami Art is delighted to bring the fourth edition of IMAGINARIUM – Awards and Exhibitions, a group show curated via the annual all-India open call for young and emerging visual artists. IMAGINARIUM 4.0 exhibition showcases an eclectic selection of artworks selected after meticulously reviewing more than 500 applications. Since its inception, the IMAGINARIUM has emerged as a critical platform, fostering a repository of innovative interventions that reflect the dynamics of contemporary art practices in India.
Avijit Dutta, whose artworks draw heavily from the industrial space of Howrah, compellingly articulates the implications of labour, encapsulating the adverse consequences of industrialisation, including the chronic distress borne by its workforce. Sayanee Sarkar’s semi-abstract compositions are characterised by an enduring ambiguity, challenges viewers to navigate the elusive nature of perception itself. In a significant critique of consumerism, Poojan Gupta repurposes discarded pharmaceutical blister packs, thereby interrogating the quotidian relationship between ordinary materials and notions of waste. In his paintings, Bhaskar Bordoloi explores societal structures' dark undercurrents through surreal landscapes, manifesting the complex interplay of power, authority, and control that pervades the human condition. Sudip Jana integrates the use of fiber, plastic madur and drawings to create installations, sculptures and video installations that largely discuss the erosion of some of the traditional crafts and art-making practices. Gayathri A P employs colour and light as metaphoric devices within her artistic practice, establishing a profound connection with psychological and emotional states. Poorvi Sultania’s semi-abstract works create a sense of a complex inner world which connects with the spectators on multiple levels, invoking many facets of emotions and memories. Through her paintings, Ritwika Ganguly draws elements from personal experiences and emotions and other subjective spaces broadly reflecting how social and cultural conditioning shapes them. Bhanu Shrivastav’s artworks critically examine the relationship between humans and the natural environment, focusing on their historical impacts on each of their intricate developments over time.
Collectively, the works exhibited in the show reflect the plurality of emerging voices and the socio-political undercurrents shaping their narratives. These multifaceted engagements are significant in fostering dialogues among diverse artistic practices and cultural critiques.
Statement from CEO, Emami Art
"IMAGINARIUM 4.0 celebrates the richness of contemporary Indian visual art, chosen from over 500 applicants, who expand our view of today’s art landscape. As a platform for fresh voices, IMAGINARIUM explores diverse narratives, with each work offering stories that challenge, inspire, and spark reflection. From industrial critiques to environmental consciousness, the artists present powerful perspectives on current socio-political and cultural issues. This exhibition not only honors their achievements but reaffirms our commitment to supporting these talents as they shape future dialogues in art."
(Says, Richa Agarwal, CEO, Emami Art)
About Emami Art
Emami Art is a prominent contemporary art gallery and cultural production space located on the ground floor of the Kolkata Centre for Creativity’s Green Building. Established in 2017, it adopts a forward-looking, multi-dimensional approach that reflects South Asia's history, socio-cultural, and geo-political narratives. Emami Art operates within an inclusive framework where profitability supports sustainable resource regeneration and public service.
The gallery features a dynamic program of curated exhibitions, ranging from large-scale presentations to more intimate displays. It actively participates in both national and international events and art fairs. Emami Art represents a wide spectrum of contemporary artists, including emerging, mid-career, and established talents, with a special emphasis on the East and North Eastern regions of India. Several of its artists’ works are featured in prominent national and international collections, including public foundations and museums.
A key initiative is the annual Emami Art Experimental Film Festival, which provides a platform for alternative and experimental filmmaking, video art, and moving image practices. This festival brings together internationally acclaimed artists and filmmakers alongside recent critical productions from India. Through short- and long-term projects, Emami Art supports the local and regional arts community by offering regular mentorship programs, workshops, residency opportunities, and innovative educational activities. These initiatives foster artistic development, build collaborative networks, and provide a supportive environment for emerging talent. The gallery also organizes regular talks, seminars, panel discussions, and conversations with artists, curators, and key partners, creating a space for critical engagement.
Committed to promoting a regional, national, and international agenda, Emami Art emphasizes community engagement, socially relevant initiatives, and institutional partnerships. With a multi-year vision for the future, it continues to be a catalyst for change, research, innovation, and inclusivity.
Bio-notes
ARTISTS
Bhanu Shrivastav (b.2000) is an upcoming visual artist with a BFA from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh (2022), and an MVA from the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication, Hyderabad. Over the years, Bhanu has earned multiple accolades, including the Kala Sakshi Memorial Trust Art Scholarship and the Tagore National Exhibition cash prize. His work has been recognized with various merit awards and exhibited both nationally and internationally, with selections in prestigious exhibitions in Poland, Taiwan, Armenia, and India. In addition to numerous group shows, he has participated in prominent art residencies such as the Nine Fish Art Gallery Residency and the Lalit Kala Akademi's Printmaking Residency. His art, often centered on printmaking, has garnered critical acclaim, reflecting his versatility and dedication to the craft.
Bhaskar Jyoti Bordoloi (b. 1996) is a promising visual artist with an MFA in Painting from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan (2023), and a BFA from Amity University, Noida (2020). His work reflects a deep engagement with contemporary themes, often exploring the intersection of landscape and memory. He has exhibited widely across India, with notable showcases such as Out of Turn at Bikaner House, Delhi (2024), and his solo exhibition Whispers of Paradox at MAG Contemporary, Delhi (2024). His artistic journey also includes participation in Landscapes In Flux at Bikaner House (2023), Lost Fragrance Of Infinity at Space118, Mumbai (2023), and the 100 Young Artists exhibition at the Raza Foundation (2022). Bhaskar has been recognized with the prestigious Young Artist’s Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. His body of work stands as a testament to his evolving exploration of form, space, and the subtle complexities of human experience.
Gayathri A.P is a young artist with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting from the S.N. School of Arts and Communication at the University of Hyderabad (2021-22) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting from the Government College of Fine Arts in Thrissur (2016-20). Her artistic journey includes participation in several notable exhibitions and art camps. In the 2022-23 season, she showcased her work in the 51st State Exhibition organized by the Kerala Lalithakala Academy. She also took part in the Emerging Palettes 13th Edition at Shrishti Art Gallery, in collaboration with Goethezentrum Hyderabad. Other significant exhibitions include the State Exhibition (2019-20) and the ‘Monsoon Carvings’ group show (2019) at the Government College of Fine Arts, Thrissur. Additionally, she participated in the International Art Festival organized by the Lalitkala Academy and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi (2018).
Poojan Gupta (b. 1998) is an artist and practice-based researcher recognized for her experimental sculptures and interactive installations crafted from discarded pharmaceutical blister packs. Born and raised in Jaipur, India, her creative practice is driven by the interplay of minimalist art, the environmental impact of medical science, and her Hindu upbringing. Poojan holds an MA in Art and Science from Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London (2022-2024), an MFA in Painting from Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal (2019-2021), and a BVA in Painting from The IIS University, India (2015-2019). Her diverse education has equipped her with traditional and experimental skills in sculpture, printmaking, drawing, painting, and digital reproduction. Poojan's work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions in the UK and India, including the Royal Academy of Arts, London (2024). She was awarded the Sri Swami Haridas Giri Scholarship from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (2024) and currently divides her time between Jaipur and London.
Poorvi Sultania (b.1992) is a contemporary artist exploring emotions, memories, and the concept of home. Born in 1992 in Chennai, India, her artistic journey has taken her across multiple cities. She earned her MFA in Painting from Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara (2018-2020) and holds a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (2012-2015), along with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design from the Chelsea, Camberwell, Wimbledon Foundation Centre (CCW) (2011-2012). Recently, Poorvi exhibited at the Inception Grant Finalists Show at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi and the Space Space Studio Alumni Show in Vadodara, both in March 2024. Her previous exhibitions include the ‘Which Sky Do Birds Fly’ group exhibit with Latitude 28 in New Delhi (Aug-Oct 2023), as well as group shows in Zurich and Delhi. Poorvi was also a Summer Resident at Space Studio in Vadodara (2020).
Ritwika Ganguly (b 1999) is an emerging artist currently pursuing her Master of Visual Arts (MVA) in Creative Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2022-2024). She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan (2018-2022), achieving a CGPA of 7.44. Ritwika has been actively involved in various projects, including a national-level artists camp under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar (2021). She served as a traditional animator for the feature film ‘Ram Nam Satya Hai’ (2020-2021) and worked on music videos for Sahaje Swadhin, a Dara Shikoh initiative. Her illustrations have appeared in Shishu Kishore Academy books and HCWM Waste Management research articles in collaboration with UNICEF. Ritwika's creative talents were recognized when she was awarded third prize in the Art Futures Asia Awards at Hong Kong Baptist University (2023-24).
Avijit Dutta, (b. 1997), is a young artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting from the College of Visual Art (2016-2020) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting from the Government College of Art & Craft, Calcutta (2020-2022). His solo exhibition, ‘Beyond the Industrial Veli: Metaphors of Howrah,’ showcased his mixed media works online through Tarrain Art in New Delhi (2023). Avijit has participated in several group shows, including ‘Emerging Palettes.14’ in Hyderabad (2024) and ‘Artistic Alchemy: Transformations from Residency’ at the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi (2024). His recent residency at the Monsoon Artist Residency in Kerala (August 2023) further reflects his commitment to his craft. Among his accolades are the Rabindranath Tagore Award from the 2022 Annual Exhibition of Government College of Art & Craft and the title of Most Promising Artist for 2020-2021 from the Art Society of India, Mumbai.
Sudip Jana, (b 1999), is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, India. He previously earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship in Kolkata. Sudip has participated in several notable exhibitions, including the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship Annual Exhibition (2019), ‘NAKSHI,’ showcasing works by MFA final-year students at Kala Bhavana (2024), and the SSVAD 9th Young Santiniketan Artists’ Exhibition (2024). He also contributed to the Abhibandana Art Carnival at the Academy of Fine Arts in 2018. Additionally, Sudip has participated in hands-on workshops, including a ‘Dokra Casting Workshop’ and a ‘Glass Flame Work Workshop’ at Kala Bhavana in 2023, enhancing his skills and artistic practice.
Sayanee Sarkar (b. 1999) is an emerging artist currently pursuing her Master’s in Visual Arts (MVA) at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from The Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Dum Dum, Kolkata (2018–2022). In 2023, she interned at Studio Calyx in Kolkata, focusing on ceramics. Sayanee has participated in several exhibitions, including the College Annual Exhibition in 2020 and 2022, and the Nasreen Scholarship Exhibit at MSU in 2022. Her recent showcases include the ‘Potluck’ exhibit at MSU Fine Arts Faculty Gallery (2023), and she is slated to exhibit at Abir India’s FIRST TAKE in November 2023. Upcoming exhibitions include the MSU Degree Show in 2024, ‘Pushpabaug’ at Anant Art Gallery, Noida, and ‘Without Cube’ at the MSU Fine Arts Faculty Gallery in 2024.
JURORS
Praneet Soi (b. 1971) was born in Kolkata and shifted to the west coast of the country in 1990 where he studied painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharajah Sayajirao University, Baroda. In 1999 he left for California where he attended the University of California at San Diego on a scholarship and received his second master’s degree in the visual arts. Soi moved to the Netherlands in 2002 to attend the Rijksakademie van beeldende Kunsten, a two-year international residency program for artists and currently divides his time between Amsterdam and Kolkata.
Ryan Hughes is the founder, Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coventry Biennial - a social, political and critical platform for contemporary art in Coventry and Warwickshire (UK). He is an artist-curator and researcher interested in collaboration, DIY cultures, practitioner-led activities, placemaking, cultural policy and site-specific practice. He has co-presented exhibitions and public programmes in locations including MK Gallery (Milton Keynes, UK), Herbert Art Gallery & Museum (Coventry, UK), Eryri National Park (Snowdonia, Wales, UK) and Flat Time House (London, UK).
Shilpa Gupta (b. 1976) studied in the Sir J. J. School of Art (Sculpture) and has had solo shows at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp, Barbican in London, Museum voor Moderne Kunst in Arnhem, Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, OK Center for Contemporary Art in Linz and Arnolfini in Bristol and has participated in biennales in Venice, Berlin, Kochi, Lyon, Gwangju, Havana, Yokohama, Liverpool amongst others. Her work has been shown in Moma, Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New Museum, Devi Art Foundation, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Mori Museum.
Vasudevan Akkitham’s painterly practice can be placed firmly in the figurative-narrative tradition of the Baroda School. Akkitham was born in 1958 in Kerala, the son of acclaimed Malayali poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, and studied painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda, where the eminent painter Gulammohamed Sheikh was his teacher, followed by a stint at the Royal College of Art, London. Vasudevan himself spent his entire life in academia – he joined his alma mater as a lecturer in the painting department in 1990 and retired as head of the department in 2021.
Ushmita Sahu is the Director and Head Curator of Emami Art, Kolkata, has a background in fine arts from Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan and substantial experience as an independent curator, artist, art writer and mentor before joining Emami Art in 2021. Sahu has many national and international curatorial projects to her credit. She is currently working on a manuscript on modernist artist-designer Riten Mozumdar. Sahu has been recognised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding work in contemporary art.