Bhakti: The Art of Krishna
18th July, 2024 – 18th August, 2024
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC)
Jio World Centre
Bandra Kurla Complex
Mumbai
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) presents Bhakti: The Art of Krishna, a landmark exhibition exploring universal love and devotion through the life and legacy of Lord Krishna. Intertwining art and spirituality, the exhibition brings together 107 rarely-seen paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts – including works by fifteen seminal Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, M.F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, Amit Ambalal, Raqib Shaw, and Thukral & Tagra – in an immersive display that spans 1000 years and diverse cultures. Curated by Ashvin E. Rajagopalan, Bhakti: The Art of Krishna will be on view from July 18 through August 18, 2024, at Art House, NMACC.
M.F. Husain
Courtesy of Museum of Art & Photography
Krishna, considered the eighth incarnation of the principal Hindu deity Vishnu and the source of everything, is one of the most popular Hindu gods—a god of love, compassion, and protection. He is a central character in many sacred texts, including the Mahabharata with the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, two of the most revered Hindu scriptures, and is depicted in various ways through Indian art, from child to divine lover, to teacher, to hero.
“We are delighted to welcome visitors from near and far into the Art House for this one-of-a-kind exhibition that captures love in all its manifestations,” said Isha Ambani. “All four floors of the Art House are activated with artworks infused with spirit and devotion, capturing pivotal moments in Lord Krishna’s life, and exploring their larger philosophical significance. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with the best of Indian art and culture while taking time for self-reflection.”
Venugopalan Unknown
Courtesy of Ashvita’s, Chennai
Combining art with elements of culture, religion, literature, and sacred geography, this exhibition highlights the essence of bhakti—love for all manifestations of life by recognising Krishna’s presence in them. Artists use the power of image-making to evoke Krishna’s presence and promote ideals of dharma and compassion, offering a moment of personal introspection and celebration of love that transcends religions.
The exhibition narrates the story of Krishna and humanity’s relationship with Him, from Krishna’s birth, and childhood in Gokul, to adulthood, and through his transcendental teachings. His many avatars (facets) are seen and felt in works throughout the show—including Krishna as baby, lover of gopis (cowherd women), leader of the Yadavas, and the teacher to his cousin Arjuna and all humanity through the Mahabharata and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and much more.
Painting and object highlights include an 1890 work by Raja Ravi Varma, The Birth of Krishna, exhibited for the first time outside the Fateh Singh Museum in 25 years; two large-scale paintings depicting the love between Krishna and Radha by influential modernist Manjit Bawa; an opulent and detailed contemporary painting by Raqib Shaw; and a four-piece P. Orr & Sons Swami Pattern Silver Tea Set from mid-19th century India, formerly in the collection of Sotirio Bulgari in Rome, depicting the chariot festival in Puri.
Courtesy of Piramal Museum of Art, Mumbai
Bhakti: The Art of Krishna also features multimedia, immersive experiences—a shadowplay room that addresses issues of confusion and dilemma through shadow forms, a typography room that offers wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, and a digital projection of Vishwarupa, the all-encompassing cosmic reality of Krishna. Krishna’s teachings of “think good, speak good, and do good” are expressed and felt in these spaces, offering a chance to turn inward and find clarity.
Unique to this exhibition is the opportunity to experience nine different shrines to important temples for Lord Krishna across various regions in India. The shrines represent manifestations of Krishna including Rajagopalaswamy, Guruvayurappan, Udipi Krishna, Hampi Balakrishna, Dwarakadish, Srinathji, Puri Jaganath, Mathura Nath, and Srirangam. While drawing broadly from pan-regional narratives, these different paths of devotion were influenced by the terrain from which they emerged.
Having these different manifestations of Krishna helped devotees form personal relationships with Him, seeing Him as a friend, a lover, a child, and a master.
A celebration of Indian culture, heritage, and civilization, Bhakti: The Art of Krishna exemplifies the universality of love and continues NMACC’s commitment to bringing the best of India to the world. The exhibition offers a break from life’s chaos, a moment to learn, reflect, and engage with Bhakti.
Bhakti: The Art of Krishna opens on the 18th of July until the 18th of August, 2024 at The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC)
©2024 NMACC
Art Plugged is a contemporary platform inspired by a relationship with the broader arts communities. We provide our audience with curated insight into the world of art, from exhibitions to artist interviews and more.
