Exhibition of Gandhi caricatures: Different strokes by different folks

The Indian Institute of World Culture is hosting an exhibition of caricatures on Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Eygpt Cartoon and the Karnataka Gandhi Smarak Nidhi in Bengaluru.

The bald pate, full moon glasses, ever-present walking stick and homespun garb and have made the Father of the Nation one of the most recognisable figures in human history. This exhibition captures him through the imagination of around 52 Indian and 52 foreign artists from 24 countries around the world.

According to Arakali Venkatesh, Hon Secy, Indian Institute of World Culture and one of the curators of the show, no one embodies the cause of universal brotherhood like Gandhiji. “We felt it was an apt subject given the turbulent times we live in. The exhibition is a tribute to him and the Institute of World Culture, which was founded on the principles of peace and world unity.”

The Indian Institute of World Culture was founded by BP Wadia, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi, to promote the principle of universal brotherhood.

Also read: At 80, BP Wadia’s vision for Indian Institute of World Culture in Bengaluru still going strong

“Gandhi with his spectacles and walking stick are so recognisable that even a few imaginative strokes are enough for most people and even children, to understand who is being depicted,” adds Venkatesh.

According to VG Narendra, managing trustee, Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC), “Gandhi is a universal name that has not only inspired generations of politicians, but also artists and cartoonists too, the world over. He left behind a deep-rooted legacy and his life will continue to have an impact on future generations. One of the goals of this exhibition is to present him in a memorable manner to today’s generation.”

Narendra says he was overwhelmed by the response of cartoonists worldwide to his request for images for this show, especially the Egypt Cartoon group. “Fawzy Morsy, one of the founders of Egypt Cartoon and a cartoonist himself, was quite enthusiastic. Over the past three years, he has been organising Gandhi caricature shows in Cairo that have been inaugurated by Indian ambassadors posted there.”

Thanks to their rapport with cartoonists from across the world, the team at IIC were able to collect and compile caricatures for this show. Artists from around 24 countries, including India have contributed to the exhibition, with submissions by caricaturists from 25 states in the country.

Most of the images on display are in black and white “as they best highlight the strokes and nuances of the image,” says Venkatesh.

Apart from these, historic and rare editorial cartoons by the likes of RK Laxman, Abu Abraham, NK Ranganath (popularly known as Ranga), and others will be on display.

“Even though these artists have captured different facets of Gandhi and his expressions, I believe the most popular ones in India are renditions by Ranga. A lot of posters and publicity material around Gandhi use his work as they are so iconic,” says Venkatesh.

Though the exhibition will conclude by January 22, events and exhibitions commemorating Republic Day and Martyr’s Day have been scheduled at the Indian Institute of World Culture.

An exhibition of caricatures on Gandhi will be on display at the Indian Institute of World Culture till January 22. Entry free, Mondays closed.