Bengaluru will host As the Crow Flies, a three-day exhibition curated by Srila Chatterjee that brings together traditional and contemporary Indian artistic practices. Scheduled from August 28 to August 30 at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), the exhibition explores the relationship between artistic heritage, contemporary expression, and the natural world through a diverse collection of works by artists from across India.
Presented by Baro Art, the exhibition aims to create a meeting point between different generations of artists, artistic philosophies, and creative mediums. Visitors will be able to view works inspired by folk traditions alongside paintings, prints, collages, and sculptural works by contemporary practitioners.
A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity
The exhibition brings together artistic traditions including Bhil, Gond, Sohrai, Warli, and Odisha and Bengal Pattachitra. These folk forms are displayed alongside works by contemporary painters, printmakers, wood artists, clay artists, and mixed-media practitioners.
Curator Srila Chatterjee is known for her work in design, art curation, and cultural initiatives through Baro Market and Baro Art. Her curatorial approach often focuses on making art accessible to wider audiences while highlighting India’s diverse creative traditions.
According to the organisers, the exhibition seeks to position Bengaluru as a space where customary artistic practices and contemporary visual languages can coexist and engage in dialogue.
Nature as a Shared Theme
A recurring theme across the exhibition is nature. Tigers, elephants, owls, fish, forests, and plant life appear throughout the collection in a variety of artistic styles and materials.
Artists employ:
- Watercolour
- Acrylic painting
- Linocut printmaking
- Wood-based works
- Clay artworks
- Natural pigments and colours
The exhibition presents different interpretations of nature. In some works, nature appears as a sacred and spiritual space, while in others it becomes a mythical landscape, a personal memory, or an exploration of form and beauty.
Special Programmes and Interactive Sessions
Alongside the exhibition, visitors can participate in two public programmes designed to encourage engagement with art beyond viewing.
Highlights
- Why Collect Art?
August 28, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
A conversation featuring Srila Chatterjee and Anupama Sekhar exploring the role of collecting art and the possibilities available to new collectors. - Abstract Art Workshop
August 29, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
Conducted by Shibani Nayak, the workshop is designed for children and young artists aged 7–14 years and offers a hands-on introduction to abstract art-making.
These sessions complement the exhibition’s broader goal of making art approachable for diverse audiences.
About the Organisers
Baro Art is an initiative of Baro Market, founded by Srila Chatterjee. The platform focuses on bringing contemporary and traditional Indian art to wider audiences through exhibitions, pop-ups, and curated events. Its stated mission is to make art more accessible while supporting artists through fair pricing and equitable partnerships. Since 2020, the organisation has hosted events across several Indian cities to connect audiences with artists and craftspeople.
Venue and Visitor Information
| Event Name | As the Crow Flies |
| Curator | Srila Chatterjee |
| Venue | Bangalore International Centre |
| City | Bengaluru |
| Opening Date | 28 August |
| Exhibition Dates | 28–30 August |
| Exhibition Timing | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Organiser | Baro Art |
| Special Event | Why Collect Art? – 28 Aug, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM |
| Workshop | Abstract Art Workshop – 29 Aug, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM |
| Entry / Tickets | Not specified |
| Website | https://baroart.in |
Information regarding entry fees or registration requirements has not been announced.
Conclusion
By bringing together folk traditions, contemporary artistic practices, and public engagement programmes, As the Crow Flies offers visitors an opportunity to explore the many ways Indian artists interpret culture, memory, and nature. The exhibition highlights the continuing relevance of traditional art forms while encouraging conversations about collecting, creativity, and artistic participation. Through its combination of exhibition and educational programming, the event contributes to Bengaluru’s growing cultural landscape and provides a platform for meaningful engagement with India’s diverse visual heritage.
