Kolkata: From the mangrove wilderness of the Sundarbans to the artistic currents of neighbouring Bangladesh and the Andaman Islands, a vibrant confluence of colours, forms and cultures is unfolding at the Academy of Fine Arts, where the 11th International Painting & Sculpture Exhibition had brought together 18 artists under one roof.
The week-long exhibition, organised by the Hentalbari Mangrove Artists’ Welfare Association, was inaugurated last Sunday at the North Gallery by renowned magician P.C. Sorcar Junior, in the presence of an august gathering drawn from the worlds of art, culture and sport. The inaugural ceremony also featured Joysri Sorcar, veteran artist and former professor of the Indian College of Arts & Draftsmanship Hari Mohan Bagli, and Asit Banerjee, President of the Bengal Boxing Federation.
At the heart of the exhibition was a celebration of grassroots artistic expression, with its creative journey rooted in the painters and sculptors of the Sundarbans. The participating artists bring together diverse interpretations of nature, folklore, maritime life and contemporary urban experiences, creating a visual dialogue that cuts across geography and artistic traditions.
The exhibition also carried a distinct international dimension, with artists Sanjibon Laharee, Md. Nadimuddaula and Shiladitya Paik representing Bangladesh. From the Andaman Islands, artist Mahananda Gomasta adds an island perspective to the showcase, alongside a strong regional contingent comprising Tapan Kumar Debnath, Indira Halder, Swapan Kumar Mandal, Nagen Sardar, Sankar Halder and Baidyanath Boldey.
Contemporary voices represented at the exhibition include Tuhin Suvra Pradhan, Debasish Halder, Amit Kumar Das, Sushanta Baral, Shambhunath Das, Biswajit Mondal, Tapan Kumar Sardar and Arup Kumar Mondal.
Together, their works created a compelling mix of painting, drawing and sculpture, juxtaposing the raw beauty of natural landscapes and folklore with modern artistic approaches. The result is an exhibition where regional identity meets contemporary expression—and where art becomes a bridge between communities, cultures and borders.
