India’s G20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Famous Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich

It was a night to remember the ace Russian painter late Nicholas Roerich and his family, who not only embraced India, but also captured the artistic beauty of the majestic Himalayas and the rich culture and tradition of the country on canvas - which has been showcased at an exhibition launched on Monday at Russian House in New Delhi.

Inaugurated by India's G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, along with Russia's ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, the exhibition captured the attention of art lovers, who gathered to witness the grand showcase of the history of the Roerichs’ ties with India.

The exhibition also commemorates the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Nicholas Roerich and his son, Svetoslav Roerich's 120th birth anniversary.

India’s G20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Renowned Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich in Delhi

Fascinated by the works of the Roerichs, Kant told Sputnik India, “I have never seen digitally produced paintings that are so beautifully done. They are fabulous. They bring out the uniqueness of Nicholas, and his son Svetoslav Roerich, who were great artists. I think it's a great service run by the Russian House to put up this exhibition so that Indians can witness the great art and the association between India and Russia”.

Nicholas Roerich’s artistic Odyssey led him on a spiritual journey when he landed in India in 1923, eventually settling in the mystical landscapes of Naggar village in the Kullu Valley. It was then in the early 1950s that Roerich found inspiration in the majestic Himalayas making them his immediate muse.

Calling Nicholas Roerich a multifaceted individual who had deep ties to India, Kant said that his life and work continue to transcend the physical and spiritual borders.

India’s G20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Renowned Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich in Delhi

“His profound connection with India spans over a century, tracing back to his early explorations into the spiritual and philosophical realms of eastern regions. Roerich, with his wife Helena, discovered a profound resonance with the Vedanta essay on luminaries such as Swami Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the poetic verses of Rabindranath Tagore and the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita”, Kant added.

These deep influences, Kant said, can be rarely seen in Roerick's body of work, especially in his masterpiece 'Buddha the Winter' which beautifully captures the essence of Eastern spirituality and peace.

“He was a rich Russian who lived the Hindu way of life and was cremated through Hindu rites,” Kant said during the inauguration.

Kant revealed that he has been to the Roerich House which is now the International Roerich Memorial Trust in Naggar village in Himachal Pradesh state's Kullu town.

India’s G20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Renowned Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich in Delhi

He also said that it was the first time that an international treaty or the Roerich Pact was signed at the Oval House for the protection of cultural properties.

“India became one of the first nations to support Roerichs' appeal for the need to protect and preserve culture. It was in Kullu, embrace the majesty Himalayas, that the life and legacy of Nicholas Roerich came to symbolize the collective dedication of India and Russia, to safeguarding the richness of our shared human heritage”, Kant said.

While urging the gathering to visit Roerich’s House in Kullu, Kant said that it is one of the most serene and lovely places to go.

“Roerich's vision of unity and harmony through art resonates deeply with his achievements, underscoring the belief that art and culture can bridge divides and foster understanding amongst nations and their people”, Kant said.

Talking about the success of G20, Kant said, while addressing the public, “India's G20 presidency was able to achieve unanimous consensus on all the issues from all the countries at the G20 India Leaders' Summit. This has led to a unique focus by India. India has shown that multilateralism will work and became the voice of the Global South”.

India and Russia share a special bond of art and culture that connects the two nations across time and space.

“In the realm of cultural exchanges, our nations have seen the brilliance of Indian cinema light up the silver screens in Russia during the fifth Indian film festival last year. While Russian ballet troops have graced our stages with their graceful performances. Renowned authors from both countries shared their literary insights. Melodies of the Indian classical musical and dance that have resonated across cities in Russia,” Kant said.

“Our educational institutions have collaborated to nurture academic ties and the ancient wisdom of yoga embraced by countless Russians. In the face of complex geopolitical challenges, we gathered here to celebrate the genius in the wisdom of the Roerich family. Let us draw inspiration from their life-long commitment to unity, harmony, peace, and values that have continued to guide India-Russia relations for generations to come,” he concluded.

India’s G20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Renowned Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich in Delhi

India’s G-20 Sherpa Opens Exhibition on Renowned Russian Painter Nicholas Roerich in Delhi