The exhibition “Destination India: Foreign Artists in India 1857–1947” at DAG Gallery provides a unique glimpse into how foreign artists captured the essence of India during a transformative period in its history. Spanning from 1857 to 1947, the exhibition showcases a diverse collection of works by artists from around the world, including Germany, Austria, France, Holland, Denmark, Japan, the USA, and Britain.
Curated by Giles Tillotson, Senior Vice President of DAG Gallery, the exhibition features oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, and woodblock prints that depict India’s landscapes, monuments, and vibrant traditions. The artists represented include Marius Bauer (Dutch), Hugo Pederson (Danish), Hiroshi Yoshida (Japanese), and Edwin Lord Weeks (American), alongside renowned British artists like William Carpenter and Charles William Bartlett.
“Destination India” highlights the evolving artistic perspectives during a time of significant change in colonial India. With the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown, advancements in transport technology, and the spread of railways, foreign artists began to explore new topics and approaches. They captured not only India’s famous sites but also its contemporary life, focusing on ordinary people and daily activities.
Giles Tillotson notes, “The range and variety of nations represented, including Germany, Austria, France, Holland, Denmark, Japan, the USA as well as Britain make this exhibition striking. There are artists from 12 countries in total including Marius Bauer (Dutch), Hugo Pederson (Danish), Hiroshi Yoshida (Japanese), and Edwin Lord Weeks (American) along with reputed British artists.”
The exhibition also sheds light on the artists’ engagement with India’s daily life, markets, and places of worship, offering historical and ethnographic value. While many artworks contain elements of exoticism or romanticism, they provide an insightful view into India’s past and its interaction with the Western world.
“Destination India: Foreign Artists in India 1857–1947” is on display at DAG Gallery, Delhi, now through August 24, 2024. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 11 am to 7 pm. Plan your visit to explore this captivating collection that brings back a forgotten era of artistic exploration in India.
Feature Image: A Ceremonial Ox by an Unidentified artist ( Company School)
