Forms of Devotion:
The Spiritual in Indian Art On an international tour

Santanu Ganguly

The Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA), Belgium organized Forms of Devotion: The Spiritual in Indian Art, a multidimensional arts project conceptualized around the notion of the spiritual and devotional in Indian art. It explores the theme through artistic creations in different forms and styles, across ideologies and philosophies as well as faiths and regions of India.

Forms of Devotion closed last weekend in Bangkok after a successful run following the much heralded show in New Delhi at the Lalit Kala Akademi in April where it was enjoyed by families, scholars, dignitaries and artists alike. The Bangkok show was the focal part of the Festival of India in Thailand organised by Teamwork Arts and included a live painting performance with artist Satish Gupta as well as workshops and performances. The opening was attended by H.E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla (Indian Ambassador to Thailand), Professor Dr. Apinan Poshyananda (Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Thailand), and Professor Dr. Santi Chantavilasvong (Assistant to the President for the Art and Culture, Chulalongkorn University) amongst others. The New Delhi show was the start of the international tour of Forms of Devotion which also hopes to be exhibited in Shanghai, Singapore, Antwerp and Uruguay. The works will eventually take up permanent residence in the Museum of Sacred Art, Belgium. The show was enjoyed by a wide range of dignitaries including the cultural minister from Andhra Pradesh, Sheila Dikshit, ambassadors of Belgium and Uruguay, President and DG of ICCR, Chairman of the India Today group, CEO of Prasar Bharti, Rajeev Sethi and artists including Anjolie Ela Menon, Satish Gujral and S H Raza.