GUWAHATI: A painting exhibition featuring the works of the late Assamese bureaucrat and artist Niranjan Kouli is set to begin at Triveni Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, from December 24.
The 10-day exhibition, titled “Canvases of Hope”, will be inaugurated by renowned performing artist Rita Ganguly, with the presence of internationally acclaimed actor Adil Hussain, on Sunday at 3 pm.
Kouli, who tragically passed away in 2021, had envisioned this art exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam, where he honed his artistic skills under the guidance of senior artists Rameshwar Broota and Sanjay Roy since 2017.
A dedicated Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Kouli was equally passionate about his art and was actively involved in national and international exhibitions.
The exhibition, organised by his family, serves as a tribute to Kouli’s artistic legacy, showcasing his paintings that blend realism with metaphorical symbolism.
The collection reflects his optimism, portraying a longing for a promising world while engaging in conversations about the country, the environment, urban life, and interpersonal relationships.
“Canvases of Hope” features a diverse range of artworks, including a self-portrait where Kouli engages in a deep discussion with his mother against the backdrop of an aerial view of the city.
Another poignant piece captures a moment of respite for a working-class man as he lies exhausted on a khatiya, visited by three graceful peacocks, seamlessly blending the everyday with the symbolic.
Notable among Kouli’s recent works is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, depicting the iconic moment of the Salt March to Dandi.
The painting skilfully intertwines Gandhian ideals with an aerial map of India and thousands of supporters receding into the landscape.
The exhibition will be open to the public from December 24 to January 2, with daily timings from 11 am to 7 pm, including Sundays.
