Museum of Art and Photography unveils new exhibition of works by celebrated modernist Ram Kumar

Indian Express

26-07-2025

The Bengaluru-based Museum of Art and Photography Saturday unveiled its latest exhibit: 'Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar.' The display, which will be open to the public until October 26, focuses on the works of the celebrated abstract artist Ram Kumar, juxtaposing his art and writing.
A fascinating aspect of the late Ram Kumar's work is that most of his pieces on display are untitled – in keeping with his perspective that his art should be interpreted by the viewer. He was also deeply influenced by the cities he visited, with some of his works being inspired by places like Varanasi. In the words of the curators of the exhibition, he 'viewed cities as people, and people as cities.'
The exhibition also focuses on Ram Kumar as a writer – something he tried his hand at before he was ever known for his art. One can expect to see the odd quotation by Ram Kumar, or contemporaries who knew him like M F Husain, or even an excerpt from a conversation alongside a painting. In keeping with this, visitors can write down their impressions of the gallery and leave them behind.
Also on display are several excerpts from letters by Ram Kumar that give readers an insight into his thought process. One reads, 'I want a direct confrontation with myself without any distraction. It suits me wonderful. I am able to see things in a deeper perspective.'
Speaking to members of the press and others this Thursday, MAP founder Abhishek Poddar shared his memories of Ram Kumar, whom he befriended when he was a teenager in Delhi after finding out his home address.
He recalled, 'I was 17 or 18 at the time… he called me up to his house and asked me why I wanted to see his work. It resulted in this amazing relationship.'
The MAP has also opened up displays in collaboration with BIAL (Bangalore International Airport Limited) at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport – with a digital display centre located in the domestic section, and an exhibition of Padma Shri-winning artist Bhuri Bai's work in the international section.
The digital display centre allows access to various digital experiences such as puzzles based on art and virtual displays, including past exhibitions displayed at the Museum of Art and Photography.
Harish Vasudevan, Director, MAP, said, 'The point is not for people to come (physically) to the museum – the point is for people to understand the value of art in your life. We want to take art to people in the media they are more comfortable with.'
A particular highlight is the autobiographical series of artworks by artist Bhuri Bai, who belongs to the Bhil community of Madhya Pradesh. This is a physical display at the international section of T2, and will be exhibited for an extended period of several months or longer before being rotated out.
Bhuri Bai's art on display reflects her own experiences and those of her community, while also exhibiting the evolution of her own artistic style – which started out with makeshift pigments using earth, soot and turmeric. One sees art closer to the traditional Pithora style of the Bhil community – which was historically male-dominated – and later changes as Bhuri Bai developed her own distinctive art. Natural motifs have progressed to modern trappings such as aeroplanes and cars – through the prism of her distinct style.