B-CAF Kolkata Presents 'In the Name of God' Exhibition at 3rd Print Biennale India
The Bridging Culture and Arts Foundation (B-CAF), in collaboration with Lalit Kala Akademi, has unveiled its latest artistic showcase titled In the Name of God at the B-CAF premises in Kolkata. This exhibition forms a significant part of the ongoing 3rd Print Biennale India, marking a pivotal moment in the celebration of printmaking arts across the nation.
Curatorial Vision and Artistic Exploration
Curated by the distinguished artist and academic Prof. Parag Roy, the exhibition brings together 23 talented printmakers from West Bengal in a profound exploration of faith, belief, and spirituality. These themes are presented as enduring forces that have continuously shaped human civilization and collective consciousness throughout history.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by several notable figures, including:
- Munish Jhajharia, Director of Multiwyn Group
- Dr. R. K. Mohanty, Regional Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi
- Syed Kawsar Jamal, eminent poet and cultural thinker
Their participation enriched the evening with multiple layers of intellectual thought and meaningful dialogue, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange.
Exhibition Themes and Artistic Approach
Rooted deeply in the rich legacy of Indian printmaking traditions, In the Name of God examines how concepts of divinity, morality, and cultural memory continue to influence both personal narratives and broader societal frameworks. Rather than presenting a singular religious perspective, the exhibition showcases multiple visual interpretations that encourage viewers to engage in introspection, dialogue, and empathy.
This approach powerfully affirms printmaking's role as a vital language of cultural reflection and inquiry, demonstrating how artistic mediums can facilitate deeper understanding of complex spiritual and philosophical concepts.
Perspectives from Key Figures
Curator Prof. Parag Roy shared his insights about the exhibition's purpose: "This exhibition examines how ideas of divinity and faith have evolved through time, allowing multiple interpretations to coexist through the lens of printmaking. We aimed to create a space where diverse perspectives on spirituality could be visually represented and contemplated."
Reena Dewan, Director of B-CAF, emphasized the foundation's mission: "Our constant effort at B-CAF is to create spaces that deepen public engagement with art and ideas. In the Name of God specifically invited viewers to reflect on belief, heritage, and shared human values through this evocative medium of printmaking."
Dr. R. K. Mohanty of Lalit Kala Akademi observed: "The 3rd Print Biennale India celebrates the depth and diversity of printmaking in India. This exhibition exemplified that mission through works rich in cultural and philosophical substance, showcasing how contemporary artists are engaging with timeless themes."
Featured Artists and Exhibition Details
The exhibition featured works by prominent artists including:
- Avijit Mukherjee
- Atin Basak
- Paula Sengupta
- Parag Roy
- Rajat Subhra Halder
Along with numerous other talented printmakers from West Bengal, these artists contributed to a compelling artistic conversation about faith, ethics, and the human spirit.
In the Name of God remained open to the public from 17 January to 1 February 2025, providing Kolkata's art enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to engage with these thought-provoking works. The exhibition successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue about spirituality's role in contemporary society while honoring India's rich printmaking heritage.
