“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom“.

Jawahar Lal Nehru

August 15, 1947, is etched in our memories as the day of Indian independence, which brings forth the promise of freedom and independence. It was and is still a celebration of our refusal to live in accordance with colonial norms. With it came a celebration of life full of choices in food, faith, and diverse friendships and expressions.

While discussing the significance of Freedom @75, it is imperative to contextualise art’s historical role in India’s freedom movement. Art has always been a powerful vehicle for expressing dissent, inspiring change, and igniting the flames of revolution. During the struggle for independence, artists and visionaries, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and Nandalal Bose, harnessed the creative medium to galvanise the masses and stoke the fires of freedom.

The Indian flag itself stands as an iconic symbol of the country’s relentless pursuit of independence and self-determination. Throughout history, the tricolour flag has undergone several iterations, each representing a distinct phase in India’s struggle for freedom. From its inception in 1906, when it was designed by Sister Nivedita and later modified by Madam Bhikaiji Cama, to the current version adopted on July 22, 1947, the Indian flag serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of the nation.

“The Indian National Flag replaced the colonial British Union Jack, and the nation was born amidst this euphoria,” writes curator Suresh Jayram. He continues to share, “The colours have a symbolic history; the saffron colour in our national flag indicates the strength and courage of the country; the white colour indicates peace and truth; and the green band represents the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of our land. The artist moves beyond this symbolism to envision a series of paintings that use the size and format of the Indian National Flag to express his solidarity with the nation”.

In the vibrant world of contemporary Indian art, one name that stands out for its unique exploration of freedom and its expressions is that of Bhagwan Shanker Chavan. His mesmerizing artworks have captured the attention of art enthusiasts across the country, and with his recent exhibition, Freedom @75, he has taken his creative prowess to new heights. This article delves into the artist’s background, his distinctive approach to art, and the profound impact of his thought-provoking exhibition on the Indian freedom movement’s historical context.

Bhagwan Chavan was born and raised in Sholapur, a town steeped in tradition and culture. Amidst the monotony of school classes, he discovered his artistic calling by surreptitiously drawing on his thighs, seeking solace in creative expression. This early passion grew into a lifelong dedication to art, which eventually led him to the hallowed grounds of Cholamandalam Artist Village in Chennai. Amidst nature’s splendor, Bhagwan found his muse in the lush greenery and the ever-changing play of light and shadow within the trees’ curves and lines. These organic forms and their dynamic interplay became integral to his artistic language.

During the pandemic, artist and curator Jooby Yohannan was grappling with thoughts on how things would pan out for the art world. India was gracefully completing 75 years of its independence the same year, and after much brainstorming, the concept of the exhibition Freedom @75 took its genesis. The curated collection aimed to highlight the struggle for freedom over the past 400 years and its continued evolution in our current society and how we live today. It critically reflects on the opportunities and limitations of freedom as it exists today. The objective of this collection was to inspire thoughtful conversations, introspection, and a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of freedom and the continued betterment of our nation.

Bhagwan’s preferred medium has long been oil on canvas, allowing him to indulge in layers of colours, subtle nuances, and fluidity, creating masterpieces that breathe life and depth. However, for his latest series, Freedom @75, he embraced the challenge of expressing his vision using acrylic on canvas. The exhibition’s inception was a collaborative effort between Galerie Yohan and the artist himself, commemorating the momentous occasion of India’s 75 years of independence. The collection features 75 abstract works, all on canvases of 2 x 3 feet in dimensions, resembling the size of the Indian flag. The scale and symbolism were chosen intentionally, invoking questions about the true nature of freedom in our lives.

With a keen eye for human emotions and experiences, Bhagwan’s artworks serve as a mirror reflecting the varied facets of freedom. Through soft, rough, dark, light, smooth, and bold brush strokes, he unveils a spectrum of emotions within freedom, from joy, hope, and inspiration to anguish, despair, and helplessness. As viewers gaze upon the canvases, they are invited to introspect, contemplating the limitations and influences that shape their perceptions of freedom.

In addition to the 75 abstract works, Bhagwan pushed the boundaries of his creativity and produced 16 large-scale artworks of 4 x 6 feet in dimensions, along with 17 smaller watercolour works measuring 1 x 1.5 feet. The immense variety showcased in Freedom @75 underlines the artist’s relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression.

Bhagwan’s creative process is a sight to behold. His artistic journey often begins with pencil and charcoal sketches, watercolour experimentation, and other unconventional mediums. This multidimensional approach allows him to explore new artistic territories, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for self-expression and the portrayal of freedom’s myriad dimensions.

As the exhibition unfolded, art enthusiasts and critics alike marveled at Bhagwan’s ability to capture the essence of freedom in its most profound and nuanced form. The layers of paint, overlapping strokes, and myriad shades of colours converge to form, captivating narratives rather than mere paint on canvas. Each artwork embodies a vivid tapestry of thoughts, visions, emotions, and personal experiences, making them deeply resonant with the audience.

With the Freedom @75 exhibition, Bhagwan Chavan adds a new chapter to the tapestry of Indian art’s contribution to the freedom movement’s legacy. His abstract expressions of freedom challenge viewers to reevaluate their understanding of the concept, fostering a deeper connection to their personal experiences and collective narratives. The exhibition, which traveled from Bangalore to Chennai earlier this year and will culminate at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi on September 14th, 2023, has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who witnessed its brilliance.

In conclusion, Bhagwan Shanker Chavan’s artistic journey has been one of relentless exploration, and his exhibition, Freedom @75, has proven to be a magnificent testament to his creative brilliance. By skillfully capturing the essence of freedom through abstract canvases, he has engaged viewers in soul-stirring introspection. The exhibition’s impact goes beyond the realm of art, as it forms a crucial link to India’s historical pursuit of freedom and self-determination. As we celebrate India’s 75 years of independence, Bhagwan’s artistic vision serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit that continues to shape our nation’s future.