17 May 2024/

KALA VARISA – A HERITAGE OF ARTISTRY

EMPOWERMENT, an art and culture organisation at New Delhi presents KALA VARISA – Group exhibition showcasing the vibrant legacy of renowned artist Dr. Mahendra Kumar Saxena and his grandchildren, at AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi from 19 May 2024 till 22 May 2024 (11.00 AM- 6.00 PM)

Dr. Mahendra Kumar Saxena, distinguished scholar who completed his Ph.D. in Painting on the Folk Arts of Rohilkhand under the mentorship of Professor Ranbir Saxena, was honoured with a National Award by the esteemed President of India, Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma, for his outstanding contributions in the field of Art Education.

“It is a testament to the enduring influence of art across generations. The unique collection not only highlights individual artistic achievements but also illustrates the enduring legacy and rich tradition of a family deeply rooted in the arts,” says the organisers of the KALA VARISA, showcasing 15 artworks of renowned artist and Scholar Dr. M. K. Saxena along with his grandchildren.

“These paintings explore a diverse range of themes and are created using various mediums. His works delve into social dynamics on the lives of a common man along with political and mythological themes. He worked on various mediums, like oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, tempera on paper and watercolour on newspaper. Dr. Saxena has passed down his passion and skill to subsequent generations. The artistic legacy is presented by his grandchildren, Siddhartha Saxena (26 years), a product designer, showcasing his 10 artistic wood crafted works, Kumar Abhimanyu (25 years), graduate from NIFT Mumbai showcasing his four design/textile art works, Kumar Aryan Saxena (20 years), BFA student from DCA, showcasing his 2 works, Vedica Saxena (23 years), MBBS student from Georgia is presenting her solo work, Shreya Saxena (18 years) presenting one work along with Grace Amit (13 years) and Kabir Saxena (12 years), both showcasing 1 work each,” organisers explains in detail.

“Rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Bareilly, Dr. Saxena’s artistic journey began under the loving guidance of his mother, who imparted the traditional folk-art techniques that would lay the foundation for his illustrious career. His artistic prowess flourished further under the mentorship of his elder brother, the esteemed artist Surendra Kumar ‘Netaji,’ who played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive style. Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Saxena has delved into a myriad of themes, ranging from poignant social commentaries to spiritual reflections on the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana. His canvas serves as a powerful medium to evoke introspection and dialogue on pressing societal issues, capturing the essence of human experiences with remarkable depth and sensitivity,” says the curator of the show.

“Dr. Saxena’s artistic brilliance has garnered recognition from distinguished leaders and luminaries across India. His portraits, masterfully crafted with precision and emotion, adorn the walls of esteemed figures such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Jagjivan Ram, Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Morarji Desai, among others. Their acceptance of his artworks stands as a testament to the profound impact of his creations,” he added.

Dr. Mahendra Kumar Saxena’s artistic journey has been marked by a series of captivating exhibitions held across the country and was honoured with many accolades including the prestigious President’s Award and Sahitya Kala Academy Award.