Exhibit Debuts in Bengaluru: Shape of a Thought: Correspondence from Ram Kumar
On July 26, 2025, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru will open its doors to a unique exhibition titled "Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar". This exhibit promises an immersive experience into the abstract and contemplative artistic world of the celebrated Indian modernist, Ram Kumar.
The exhibition, curated by Arnika Ahldag and Priya Chauhan, features a collection of Ram Kumar's artworks and personal letters. It invites viewers to engage with a constellation of thoughts, feelings, and memories rather than attempting to decipher them literally.
The exhibition does not repeat the juxtaposition of Ram Kumar's letters with his contemplative canvases or the exploration of his nuanced engagement with abstraction, as previously seen in other exhibitions. Instead, it delves deeper into his artistic philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on his work.
Ram Kumar, who initially pursued economics and writing, was significantly influenced by his exposure to international art exhibitions and connections with the Progressive Art Group (PAG). His travels and studies, particularly in Paris, where he studied under the guidance of André Lhote and Fernand Léger, further shaped his artistic journey.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the film "The Spaces in Between" by Naveed Mulki, which explores letter exchanges between Ram Kumar and his friend. The exhibition also includes engagement activities that encourage audiences to write letters to themselves, loved ones, or cities, and create labels for abstract artworks.
This exhibition marks a rare opportunity to engage closely with both the visual and literary facets of Ram Kumar’s artistry at MAP Bengaluru. It serves as a testament to his legacy in art education and inspiration, while also honoring his teachers, mentors, and guides.
The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) Bengaluru is located in Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru. For those interested in exploring the exhibition, "Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar" will be open to the public starting from July 26, 2025.
[1] Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) announces new exhibition: Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar, press release, www.map-india.org/news [2] Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar, exhibition brochure, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), 2025 [3] Naveed Mulki, director, The Spaces in Between, interview with The Art Review, www.theartreview.com [4] Arnika Ahldag and Priya Chauhan, curators, Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar, curatorial statement, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), 2025 [5] Ram Kumar: A Retrospective, exhibition catalogue, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, 2015
- The unique exhibition "Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar" at the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru offers visitors a glimpse into the artist's lifestyle, travel experiences, and cultural influences, as it features his personal letters and artworks.
- Following the exhibition "Shape of a Thought: Letters from Ram Kumar", the public is also invited to participate in home-and-garden activities, where they can write letters to themselves or others, and label abstract artworks, reflecting on the legacy of Ram Kumar in art education and inspiration.
