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Polish maestro’s Delhi show
Works by Stefan Norblin, a famous 20th century artist from Poland, who received patronage and commissions from royalty during his stay in India, is currently on exhibition in the Capital.
Works by Stefan Norblin, a famous 20th century artist from Poland, who received patronage and commissions from royalty during his stay in India, is currently on exhibition in the Capital. Titled, Stefan Norblin (1892-1952): A Master of Many Arts, the exhibition is being shown at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in association with the culture ministry and the Regional Museum in Stalowa Wala, Poland.
The exhibition of 60 curated paintings lays special emphasis on Norblin’s life and work in India (1941-46) while also bringing together his works from Poland and the US. These include portraits of Poland’s pre-war elite, art deco posters, book covers,
illustrations and designs for theatrical costumes.
“His most significant commission in India was to design interiors and paint murals for the Umaid Bhawan Palace — a massive art deco conceptualisation built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Some of the restored works find a place in the ongoing exhibition,” says NGMA director, Rajeev Lochan.
Norblin, a Polish graphic artist, painter, illustrator and poster designer, is primarily known for his modernist and art nouveau advertising posters as well as his art deco paintings and frescoes. In his Indian productions, Norblin developed a new style inspired by Hindu mythology and elements previously unknown to him including characteristics from Indian art that permeated his pre-existing European Art Deco sensibilities.
Curators Anna Szlazak from Poland and Karni Singh Jasol, director of Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum have jointly curated the exhibition that is open for public viewing till November 23, before it moves to Mumbai.
Incidentally, Norblin’s first and only exhibition in India was held at the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall in 1944, which is now the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai.
NGMA has also scheduled screening of the award winning documentary film, Chitraanjali: Stefan Norblin in India, which is directed by Madam Malgorzata Skiba and produced jointly by Polish Embassy in India and the National Audio Video Institute of Poland.
On the walls
What:
Stefan Norblin (1892-1952): A Master of Many Arts
On till:
November 23
Timing:
10am to 5pm
Where:
National Gallery of Modern Art, India Gate
Nearest Metro Station:
Central Secretariat on the yellow Line
