A journey through abstraction: Celebrating six decades of Amitabh Sengupta's artistic evolution in retrospective exhibition

CHENNAI: Internationally acclaimed artist Amitabh Sengupta’s career spans over six decades, during which he has gained global recognition for his abstract works, influenced by both European modernism and his cross-cultural experiences. To celebrate Sengupta’s prolific journey, an exhibition titled Retrospective Exhibition on Modern and Contemporary Art has been organized. In a candid chat with DT Next, the artist discusses the evolution of his artistic style and more.

After studying at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris from 1966 to 1971, Sengupta exhibited widely in Paris throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His work from this period reflects a deep engagement with abstraction and symbolism. “Art uses metaphorical forms, natural or symbolic, to convey ideas. I use both whenever necessary to express my thoughts. I don’t adhere to a single artistic language; my focus is on 'how I want to say something,' rather than maintaining a specific style or method. An Indian viewer can interpret the diversity in traditional Indian art because the cultural experience is homogeneous. However, in contemporary art, which is eclectic and has a personal context of ideas, the viewer needs to be familiar with contemporary trends and art language. In this way, one may discover me, my art, or simply engage in an aesthetic exploration,” the artist begins.

 The artist describes various phases in his journey - "I went through learning institutional academism, breaking away from it, and a period of self-discovery, which led me to simplification and symbolism. Then came a period of hard realities, bringing me back to realism and tortured figuration. My time in Europe and Nigeria, and my return to India, shaped my work. Rediscovering India’s heritage led to the Mythscape Series, rooted in realism, while the Inscription Series is more abstract, using signs and symbols. Over 40-50 years, these experiences and cultures have left inseparable influences and memories. Living in Nigeria, in particular, reshaped my view of European art."

He has worked in various mediums, including painting, digital art, and video installations. After completing a series, he often refreshes himself by experimenting with a medium he hasn’t used before. “I’m always curious to explore new materials or methods. At one point, the computer became my medium for creating graphics and video art. Currently, I’m working with Japanese paper and natural forms in conflicting realities - still developing this - and also experimenting with clay in between.” The ongoing exhibition at Lalit Kala Akademi is presented by Sarala and Bishwajit Banerjee of Artworld.