A remarkable art exhibition titled “I Had a Dream…”, featuring a stunning display of 180 works by the veteran artist and sculptor Kiran Dixit Thacker, officially opened at the Academy of Fine Arts.

Spanning the North, West, and South Galleries, the exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of esteemed special guests, including eminent art critic and author Sri Mrinal Ghosh; art curator and gallerist Vikram Bachhawat; and Kala Bhavana Santiniketan professors Sri Pankaj Panwar and Sutanu Chatterjee. ​

A Rare Legacy and Creative Journey

​At seventy-nine years of age, Kiran Dixit Thacker stands as a rare and distinguished figure—perhaps the only practicing female direct disciple of the legendary master Ramkinkar Baij, widely regarded as the father of modern Indian sculpture.

While she is comfortable working across multiple artistic media, she is most passionate about experimenting with metal and stone.

Her extensive body of work encompasses striking sculptures, paintings, and drawings, each characterized by a distinct sense of individuality.

​Reflecting on the deeply personal inspiration behind her current showcase, Kiran shared insights into her formative years. Having faced immense uncertainties and hurdles during her childhood, she noted that dreaming was once a luxury she could not afford. However, after being sent to a boarding school in Benaras at age twelve, she discovered the profound freedom to explore her creativity. Encouraged by art teachers hailing from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, she eventually navigated her way to the idyllic, nature-filled campus of Visva-Bharati as a seventeen-year-old.

​The Influence of Santiniketan and Master Ramkinkar Baij

​Thacker fondly remembers the pristine, undisturbed environment of Santiniketan during her student days, where students walked barefoot, and the landscape shifted harmoniously through changing seasons.

Under the mentorship of legendary figures like Ramkinkar Baij—whom she affectionately assisted by fetching clay while he sculpted dynamic forms right before her eyes—she absorbed invaluable artistic and theatrical lessons.

​Her artwork bridges Eastern and Western sensibilities, reflecting a commitment to simplicity of form without unnecessary embellishments.

“I Had a Dream…” successfully encapsulates a lifetime of dedication, proving that her childhood aspirations have truly culminated in an extraordinary artistic reality.

The exhibition will remain open to the public daily from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM until October 10.

Priyanka Dutta