“It is Essential To Be There”: Geoffrey Bawa- India and Sri Lanka celebrate the works of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect
India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar recently inaugurated the “Geoffrey Bawa: It is Essential To Be There” exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, It is a joint collaboration between the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Geoffrey Bawa Trust.
Commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka, the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi organized the “Geoffrey Bawa: It is Essential To Be There” exhibition, which features over 120 documents from Bawa’s archives, which include his photographs from various travels and unrealized works. It explores the connections between Bawa’s concepts, sketches, constructions, and places, as well as the diverse ways in which images were employed in his practice.
This is the first retrospective international exhibition of Bawa’s architectural works since 2004, following exhibitions in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and Germany.
The Sri Lanka-India Cultural Exchange Program has sponsored the exhibition, which will be open to visitors until May 7, 2023. Diplomats, high-ranking Indian officials, academics, journalists, art enthusiasts, and professionals are among the anticipated visitors to this exhibition.
Bawa’s distinct highly acclaimed architectural style blended modernism with traditional elements. He designed several prominent buildings in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lankan Parliament, which is considered one of his most impressive works.
Bawa’s architectural designs also influenced many iconic buildings in India. His unique style has had a significant impact on modern architecture in Sri Lanka and beyond, inspiring architects and designers globally.
