Bengaluru: In celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the renowned Russian-Indian cultural figure, Nicholas Roerich, an exhibition titled “Stominay Roerich–150” has been inaugurated at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. The exhibition features 36 rare and captivating works of art created by Roerich, offering a glimpse into the visionary’s deep connection with nature, spirituality, and the Himalayas.
Born on October 8, 1874, in St. Petersburg, Roerich is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. He arrived in India in 1920, where he settled in the remote village of Naggar in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. This picturesque location became his home for many years, where he created over 7,000 paintings, with a particular focus on the mountains, rivers, and landscapes of the Himalayas.
The exhibition, which opened to the public earlier this week, showcases a collection of Roerich’s artworks that beautifully encapsulate his spiritual and artistic journey. The majestic snow-capped peaks and the serene riverscapes of the Himalayas are among the main highlights of the exhibition. These works reveal Roerich’s deep appreciation of the natural world, which he believed to be a direct reflection of the divine.
In addition to the stunning artworks, the exhibition also includes rare collectibles such as Roerich’s postcards and calendar cards, some of which have been sourced from museums abroad. These items provide visitors with an intimate connection to the artist’s personal life and artistic process. One of the key highlights of the exhibition is the inclusion of diary entries written by Roerich’s son, Svetoslav Roerich, who reflected on his father’s artistic journey and contributions to cultural heritage.
The exhibition also features a 1935 article from an English journal that celebrates Roerich’s contributions to art and culture, further highlighting his international acclaim. This addition provides historical context to the exhibition and underscores Roerich’s global significance as an artist, philosopher, and promoter of peace.
At the inauguration of the exhibition, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti praised Roerich’s work, calling his artworks “extraordinary” and stating that his artistic achievements continue to inspire generations, especially the youth. Horatti acknowledged Roerich’s legacy as a beacon of creativity and spirituality, encouraging more initiatives that highlight the cultural contributions of such great individuals.
The Consul General of Russia in Chennai, Valery Khodyrev, expressed his happiness at the exhibition, saying, “It is a delightful tribute to Nicholas Roerich’s legacy on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary. I hope that more such cultural programs are organized to celebrate his contributions to the world of art and culture.”
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath President B.L. Shankar spoke about the important role Roerich played in cultural and spiritual studies. He noted that Roerich had established the ‘Urusvati Himalayan Research Institute’ in India, which was dedicated to the study of Himalayan art, culture, and spirituality. Shankar further pointed out that Roerich’s son, Svetoslav Roerich, who later moved to Bengaluru, donated 63 of his artworks, along with 36 paintings by his father, to the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, thus cementing the strong connection between Roerich’s legacy and the city of Bengaluru.
Shankar also highlighted that Roerich holds a special place in Indian art history, as he is one of the nine distinguished artists who are recognised as the “jewels of Indian art.” Remarkably, Roerich is the only foreign artist to be included in this prestigious group, a testament to the lasting impact of his work on the Indian cultural landscape.
The exhibition “Stominay Roerich–150” will be open to the public at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath until November 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with the artist’s works in a way that goes beyond mere viewing, as the exhibition allows for a deeper understanding of Roerich’s artistic philosophy and the inspiration behind his creations. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of art lovers, students, and history enthusiasts keen on exploring the rich cultural heritage Roerich left behind.
The exhibition promises to be a fitting tribute to Nicholas Roerich, whose artistic journey continues to influence not only Indian art but also global artistic and spiritual thought. It offers a rare opportunity for the public to experience the depth and breadth of his artistic legacy, as well as to gain insight into his vision of the world as a space of spiritual and creative unity.
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