Bengal Biennale 2024 Celebrates Diverse Female Artists With Immersive Arts

My homecoming to Kolkata this winter and my connection with Shantiniketan as a young artist/writer raised my interest in exploring the maiden Bengal Biennale spread across two interesting landscapes. Having witnessed the Venice Biennale and the wide array of artworks there, I discovered that the maiden Bengal Biennale celebrated diverse female voices. Director and curator Siddharth Sivakumar and Trustees Malvika Banerjee and Jeet Banerjee’s Gameplan have launched the first-ever Bengal Biennale, a multigenerational tapestry of artistic expression bringing together a diverse array of artists.

The event is being held across two venues — the university town of Santiniketan from November 29 to December 22, 2024, and the metropolis of Kolkata from December 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The Bengal Biennale is a celebration of powerful female voices, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of women artists. Leading figures like Dayanita Singh, who has gained international acclaim and participated in prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale, bring a wealth of experience and recognition to the Bengal Biennale.

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Madhvi Parekh influenced by Paul Klee exhibits "Sacred Dialogues: The Art of Madhvi Parekh" navigating the universal and intimate themes, inviting viewers to reflect on faith not as doctrine but as shared humanity. Her works, deeply rooted in folk traditions yet boundless in interpretation, meditate on the enduring power of storytelling and iconography. 

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St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata, a historic Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic architecture, serves as a fitting backdrop for Parekh's art. The cathedral, completed in 1847, is the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. Alongside her, artists like Mithu Sen and Paula Sengupta use their art to communicate and raise social awareness.

Notable artists and projects

Mithu Sen's "I am Ol Chiki" is a profound revival of the Santali language, blending alphabets with vivid images of the Santhal lifestyle. Co-created with Sanyashi Lohar and community girls, this project was developed while the Pearson Palli project was still ongoing. Mithu Sen, known for her international shows and multidimensional sensory experiences, brings a unique depth to this installation, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Santhal community.

Similarly, Paula Sengupta's "Tibet in Exile" installation offers an intriguing exploration of Tibetan culture and resilience. This project, enriched by her husband Sujoy Das's photographs from their trekking expeditions, includes their interactions with the Dalai Lama. The installation provides a poignant narrative of Tibetan exile, blending personal experiences with broader cultural themes.

Both installations highlight the Bengal Biennale's commitment to using art as a tool for communication and social awareness, offering viewers a chance to engage with diverse cultural narratives and sensory experiences

Ramayana woven through Kantha 

The Katha is an old tradition of women weaving a large piece of fabric. Shamlu Dudeja took it to an international audience, and now Mallika Dudeja Varma makes it more interesting, particularly with her exploration of the Ramayana through Kantha embroidery, which beautifully showcases the power of storytelling and the communal spirit of women who gather to weave their shared and lived experiences. This installation is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the intricate artistry of Kantha work, where each stitch tells a story and each piece is a tapestry of collective memories.

 The Bengal Biennale is filled with incredible installations and brilliant curatorial practices, each resonating in its unique way. From Mithu Sen's "I am Ol Chiki," which revives the Santali language and lifestyle, to Paula Sengupta's "Tibet in Exile," the Biennale offers a diverse array of sensory experiences and cultural narratives.

Community Engagement and Workshops

American photo-based artist Amy Parrish's deep connection to the local art scene and her involvement in various artistic initiatives make her a valuable guide in Shantiniketan. Her workshops on the sidelines of the Biennale provide additional insights into her community-based projects, fostering creative community building. Her work explores themes of memory, identity, and transformation, making her a valuable guide and contributor to the local art scene.

At Mitali Homestay, Indira Dey’s living room has been transformed into an installation curated by Anshuman Dasgupta using Nobel Prize winning Economist Prof. Abhijit Banerjee’s superb storytelling technique to explain the problem of water crisis complimented with images from celebrated graphic novelist Sarnath Banerjee. Malvika Banerjee facilitated a discussion around Water Tells this December at this venue.

Sweety and Ishi: Young aspiring artists like Sweety, featured in Concurrent curated by Shreya, and Delhi-based Isha at Chaya Ghar Cafe, are making significant contributions with their praiseworthy efforts.

International Participation

Even professors from Ohio College are participating in the Biennale, adding an international dimension to the event. An amazing new show at Arthshila, curated by two incredible American women, represents women artists looking back on a historic female travel writer.

Studio Visits and Local Artisans

In Shantiniketan, studio visits offer a unique opportunity to interact with artists and experience their work firsthand. Lipi Biswas hosts a studio visit, employing Santhali women to create ceramic ware, while Papri Basak focuses on natural dye

The Bengal Biennale is not just an art exhibition; it is a platform for dialogue, community engagement, and cultural exchange. It highlights the role of art in addressing social issues and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.

Views expressed by the author are their own.