Patna: A profound exploration of India’s artistic heritage and its intersection with modern aesthetics unfolded at the Multipurpose Cultural Complex in Patna today, as the “Kala Mangal” series, a collaboration between the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Bihar, and the Bihar Lalit Kala Academy, hosted a lecture by renowned art critic and thinker, Arvind Ojha.
Ojha, hailing from New Delhi, delivered a compelling discourse on “Indian Art Vision and Modern Art,” drawing a captivated audience into a philosophical journey through the concepts of time and aesthetic perception. The event, held in the complex’s Concert Hall, saw Ojha honoured with a shawl and bouquet by Padma Shri Shyam Sharma and Ashok Kumar Sinha of the Bihar Museum.
In his address, Ojha delved into the heart of Indian artistic thought, positing that the relationship between Indian and modern art hinges on the understanding of time and beauty. He illustrated this by referencing the Vairagya Shatak, quoting Bhartrhari’s poignant observation that “time does not pass, we all pass.” This served as a springboard to explore the philosophical concept of Sachchidananda and the symbolic significance of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Kartikeya, and Ganesha, ultimately leading to a discussion on rasa (aesthetic flavour) and sound theory within Indian aesthetics.
Ojha contrasted this introspective, emotion-driven approach of Indian art with the historical and traditional perspectives that have shaped modern art. He traced the evolution of European artistic thought from the Renaissance through sentimentalism and existentialism, emphasizing the role of scientific and philosophical inquiry in shaping modern artistic conceptions.
He urged artists to reconnect with their roots and cultivate original perspectives, arguing that this is essential for fostering true creativity in both modern and contemporary art. “We must not lose sight of our fundamental artistic values,” Arvind Ojha emphasised, “as they are the bedrock upon which genuine innovation is built.”
The lecture drew a diverse audience, including prominent artists such as Milan Das, Shailendra Kumar, Archana Sinha, and numerous others, as well as art critics and enthusiasts. The event was co-convened by Manoj Kumar Bachchan and Birendra Kumar Singh, with Bachchan also serving as the master of ceremonies.
