Bela Gupta: ‘India's Contemporary Leonardo da Vinci’

Gagliardi Gallery, a cornerstone of King's Road for over 45 years, is proud to announce a solo exhibition by the distinguished New Delhi-based artist, Bela Gupta, from 27th June to 7th July 2024. Celebrated as ‘India's Contemporary Leonardo da Vinci’ by the International Confederation of Art Critics and by Peter Gagliardi, Bela’s dynamic and insightful engagement with socioeconomic and global political themes through her monumental oil painting, including imperialism, colonialism and violence against women, promises to captivate and inspire. Bela's paintings are radical and highly significant to a changing world, often spanning over 3 metres in length with Renaissance-standard execution.
Her large-scale paintings serve as highly charged pieces through which the flux of collective memory and cultural references are visualised, suggesting a landscape where historically disparate occurrences converge, sometimes evoking a humorous resonance that cleverly critiques political norms by undermining their severity. This dual-layered representation facilitates a form of dialogue that is at once comical and critically sharp, enriching the viewer’s interpretive experience.
In no insignificant terms, Bela’s art delves into the complex interstices of visual perception influenced by historical and cultural shifts, advocating for a reconsideration of the conventional limits of cultural association and perception. Through her oeuvre, she invites an introspective reflection on the interconnectedness of history, culture and identity, framed within the visual dynamics of her grand opuses. Bela encapsulates all the nuances and interfaces of what it means to use one’s art to serve history’s subjects and its victims, as well the art aficionados of today.
Founded in 1978, Gagliardi Gallery's reputation for excellence is furthered by its collaborations with esteemed institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Lord Leighton Museum and exhibitions such as the London Art Biennale. These partnerships have significantly enhanced the cultural landscape of London and beyond, bringing diverse artistic expressions to a broader audience.
Gagliardi Gallery remains committed to presenting art that resonates with authenticity and connects people across different cultures and backgrounds. This upcoming exhibition by Bela is a testament to this mission, promising to offer an enriching experience that highlights the power of art to evoke thought and emotion.
Click here for high-resolution images of Bela’s work.