Reviving History: The Modern Twist on Bat-tala Woodcut Prints

An exhibition at the India International Centre showcases the revival and reimagining of 19th-century Calcutta's traditional bat-tala woodcut prints. Curated by Ina Puri and others, the event blends historical art with contemporary techniques. It features works by veteran and emerging artists, aiming to bring this near-forgotten art form into today's discourse.

An exhibition currently held at the India International Centre is rejuvenating and reinterpreting the traditional 'bat-tala' woodcut prints of 19th-century Calcutta. The event, titled 'The Tradition of Bat-tala & Other Practices by the Printmakers,' is curated by notable art curator Ina Puri along with Ananda Moy Banerji, Dattatreya Apte, Sushanta Guha, and Saurabh Singhvi.

Organised by Art Magnum Gallery, the exhibition revives a crucial yet overlooked chapter of artistic heritage. According to curator Puri, the event prompts artists to meld history with modern techniques, pushing artistic boundaries while embracing the rich past.

The bat-tala tradition, known for its woodcut prints depicting religious, mythological, and everyday scenes, originated under Calcutta's banyan trees. The exhibition features contributions from veterans like Somnath Hore, Manjit Bawa, and emerging talents such as Debasish Mukherjee. The exhibition not only aims to bring this forgotten art form into contemporary conversation but also challenges artists to explore new printmaking techniques. Additionally, a seminar on the future of bat-tala and contemporary printmaking in India will be held on September 26. The event concludes on September 27.

(With inputs from agencies.)