Talent and perspective: highlights from the Swar Sangam exhibition
In this photo essay, we feature glimpses from an ongoing exhibition at MKF Museum of Art.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 970 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
This month, Bengaluru’s MKF Gallery is hosting a group art exhibition titled Hues 2026. See our coverage of earlier exhibitions at this popular art hub here.
The current showcase features works by students of Swar Sangam from Kolkata. The exhibition is part of an annual showcase where diploma students present their artistic creations to a wider audience outside Kolkata.
Curated by artist-author Shirley Mathew, it reflects the institution’s effort to give young artists national exposure. The exhibition provides a professional platform for emerging artists and encourages interaction with art audiences and critics.
“We support young artists by not charging commission on sales. This makes it especially valuable for students starting their careers in the art world,” gallery curator Shirley Mathew tells YourStory.
The artworks explore a wide range of modern and experimental themes, ranging from nature and spirituality to technology and impact. For example, many artists focus on the beauty and essence of nature, using abstract and stylised forms for flora like banana trees.
Others highlight the connection between humans and nature. One of the paintings shows a plant’s shadow appearing as a human figure, symbolising coexistence.
Some artworks also depict contrasts between city and village life using different media. A thread-based artwork shows how rural women imagine cities. In keeping with the times, some art works combine technology and human life – such as a piece merging a train and a human heart, symbolising efficiency and connection.
The four walls of the gallery feature a variety of artistic styles and media. These include oil paintings, mixed media artworks, needlework and textile art, and abstract art by artists including Bijay Basak, Riya Dhara, Eti Dash and Sahil Saha.
Each artist brings out a unique perspective and personal style. This reflects the diversity of training at Swar Sangam.
Swar Sangam is a reputed institution in Kolkata dedicated to nurturing talent in the fields of visual and performing arts. It operates under the aegis of the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, regarded as a premier centre for cultural preservation.
Together, these institutions have played a significant role in promoting creativity, artistic excellence, and cultural awareness among students and art enthusiasts. Swar Sangam’s educational contributions span music, dance, and fine arts.
They are designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, helping students develop both technical skills and creative expression. Strong emphasis is placed on holistic artistic development via workshops by renowned artists, outdoor sketching sessions, field trips, annual exhibitions, and cultural programs
These activities encourage students to explore creativity beyond the classroom and gain real-world exposure to artistic practices. These initiatives nurture imagination and help students discover their latent talents through participation in public events.
The institution offers art studios, media labs, practice spaces, exhibition galleries, and a rich library with thousands of books on art and culture. There are also facilities supporting contemporary art forms such as animation and digital design.
Birla Academy of Art and Culture itself houses a large collection of artworks, including over 4,500 Indian paintings, hundreds of international works, sculptures, and graphic art.
Swar Sangam functions as the educational wing of the Birla Academy. While the Academy focuses on exhibitions and preservation of art, Swar Sangam focuses on teaching and training students. This combination thus creates a comprehensive ecosystem for art education and cultural development.
In sum, the MKF exhibition delights viewers with diverse themes like nature, urban life, and technology. It demonstrates the institution’s commitment to nurturing innovative and expressive artists. By combining education, exposure, and creativity, Swar Sangam continues to inspire generations of artists and uphold the rich cultural heritage of India.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at MKF Museum of Art.)