A Moment in Modernity – Solo Exhibition by Haren Thakur

Art Magnum and Gallery Time and Space proudly present A Moment in Modernity, a solo exhibition by the acclaimed Indian artist Haren Thakur, curated by the renowned art historian Dr. Alka Pande.

This evocative show offers a deep dive into the evolving narrative of Indian modernism, seen through the lens of Thakur’s unique visual language, rooted in Santiniketan traditions, tribal life, and vernacular aesthetics.

The Artist: Haren Thakur

An alumnus of Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, Haren Thakur was mentored by legends like Ramkinkar Baij, Benode Behari Mukherjee, and Somnath Hore. Since 1947, he has worked primarily with acrylic and watercolour on Nepalese rice paper (Lokta). His art blends tribal symbolism, folk narratives, and cubist abstraction to reflect themes of nature, labor, spirituality, and community.

What to Expect:

• Featured Works: From the meditative Cat and the Fish to the philosophical The Open Parlour and The Reckless Recluse, the exhibition showcases Thakur’s engagement with rural life, myth, and motion.

• Themes Explored:

  • Regional modernity in India

  • Intersection of indigenous and modern art practices

  • Philosophical reflections on authenticity and cultural continuity

• Mediums & Techniques: Lokta paper, geometric forms, flat tribal styles, and rhythmic brushwork inspired by tribal speech and movement.

Why You Should Visit:

• Immerse yourself in a rare and significant collection by a master of regional Indian modernism

• Discover how Santiniketan’s legacy and tribal traditions influence contemporary art

• Explore an intellectually rich and visually profound journey through India’s cultural heritage

• Engage with a show that questions what “modernity” truly means in an Indian context

Venue: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Exhibition Dates: 16th – 25th April 2025
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Curated by: Dr. Alka Pande