The Centre Pompidou presents ‘Paris-Delhi–Bombay

Today’s India is a leading world economic player. The country is also the second most populated and the largest democracy in the world. No surprise, it arouses interest but is still far away for the western and European audiences. ‘Paris-Delhi-Bombay...’ tries to correct the lacuna by inviting viewers to discover the various facets of contemporary Indian society.

The Centre Pompidou, one of Europe's leading and most prestigious modern art museums, has launched an ambitious project that throws light on complexities and subtle undercurrents of contemporary Indian society, now more dynamic and creative than ever, still full of contrasts.

The idea behind ‘Paris-Delhi–Bombay’ is to create awareness of the Indian art and culture scene to the people of France, and to bind two contrasting streams of thought, in the process. Several French and Indian artists through their works explore profound changes taking place in the dynamic social-scape, to offer a pointed perception of religious beliefs, spirituality, issues of identity (linguistic, sexual, caste-related, national, regional etc), urbanization, heritage, history etc), and domestic concerns.

‘Paris-Delhi–Bombay’ presents a new, exciting image of an emerging India, moving away from the stereotypes, to witness rapid transitions and transformations. Curated by Sophie Duplaix and Fabrice Bousteau, it’s the culmination of thorough research done over four years in order to understand the artistic phenomenon of globalization.

According to Centre Pompidou’s director Alain Seban, it made little sense to arrange a retrospective of Indian art because it’s not the past traditions but what the future trends hold that matter more. Close to 100 artworks, including paintings, installations, sculptures and photographs are on view, a large chunk of them commissioned for the show.

It doesn’t have a central theme though, and has been set up sans any continuity of styles, sights and materials. Justifying the look and feel of the show, Seban states, “The world no longer really functions thematically but works in a more haphazard way. The exhibit reflects just that.” In a way, it provides a unique visual interpretation of the modern India.