New Delhi, September 23, 2025 – Art, literature, and performance came together at Art Magnum on September 23 with the preview of Silappadikaram: One of Five Tamil Epics – K.K. Hebbar Interprets the Classic. Curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya in collaboration with the K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation, the exhibition offers a rare reinterpretation of the ancient Tamil epic Silappadikaram through the modernist lens of renowned artist K.K. Hebbar.
The evening also marked the launch of the book Illango Adigal’s Silappadikaram: The Poetic Narration in Lines by K.K. Hebbar.
A key highlight was The Song of the Anklet, a powerful performance blending classical dance, narration, and music. Padma Shri awardee Prathibha Prahlad and Dr. Sridhar Vasudevan brought verses from the epic to life, creating a dialogue between visual and performing arts.
Hebbar’s children—Rekha Hebbar Rao, Rajani Hebbar Prasanna, and Ranna Hebbar—were present at the event. Rekha shared insights into her father’s artistic journey, noting that his Paris training ultimately led him to embrace Indian life and epics as his true canvas. “These drawings are not just illustrations—they are timeless expressions of emotion and values,” she said.
Reflecting on the performance, Prathibha Prahlad said, “Through this portrayal of Kannagi, I hoped to convey themes of resilience, rage, and justice. Our classical traditions must be passed on, understood, and celebrated by the next generation.”
Curator Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya added, “Hebbar’s work is a reminder that the themes of justice and injustice in Silappadikaram remain relevant today. This exhibition creates a space where history, art, and performance converge.”
The preview was attended by notable figures from the art and literary world, including Roma Madan Soni, Manu Dosanj, Dipalee Daroz, Vinod Bhardwaj, Kanchan Chander, Alka Pande, Gitanjali and Upasna Wadia, among others.
The exhibition is open to the public from September 22 to October 31, 2025, at Art Magnum, New Delhi, offering an immersive experience of Hebbar’s artistic dialogue with a Tamil literary classic.
About K.K. Hebbar
K.K. Hebbar (1911–1996) was a pioneering Indian modernist who seamlessly blended traditional Indian themes with modernist styles. Trained at J.J. School of Art and later in Paris, his work draws deeply from Indian mythology, folk traditions, and classical literature, including his striking visual interpretations of epics like Silappadikaram. His legacy continues through the K.K. Hebbar Art Foundation, led by his children.
About Art Magnum
Art Magnum is a premier contemporary art gallery in New Delhi, committed to promoting both Indian and international artists. It serves as a vibrant space for exhibitions, dialogue, and cultural preservation through art.
