The India House Art Gallery, in collaboration with CCA Design, is set to host the prestigious exhibition “Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom” from March 19th to March 25th, 2026. This curated showcase of drawing, painting, and photography is deeply inspired by the lyrical movements of Odissi dance. The official launch will commence on March 19th at 6:00 PM, followed by a special 7:30 PM preview of the documentary film Radha Unbound: The Making & Touring of Radhe! Radhe!. This event serves as a significant cultural milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of the esteemed scholar and artist, Dr. Dinanath Pathy.
A Legacy of Cultural Diplomacy
Dr. Dinanath Pathy was a renowned scholar and institution builder who dedicated his life to promoting the art and culture of Odisha on the global stage. Beyond his artistic contributions, Dr. Pathy was a visionary in the field of soft cultural diplomacy. His long-standing partnership with the Sutra Foundation in Malaysia helped create a unique bridge between the two nations. This exhibition honors his belief in the “interconnectedness” of visual arts and classical dance, specifically how the two forms inform and elevate one another.
An International Artistic Collaboration
The exhibition features the diverse works of 21 artists hailing from both India and Malaysia. This tour follows a highly successful debut at the Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai earlier this year, which was attended by distinguished guests including HRH Tunku Zain and H.E. Shri T.S. Tirumurti. Before its final grand opening in Kuala Lumpur on April 25th, the collection will travel through major Indian cultural hubs, including Bhubaneswar, Pune, and New Delhi.
The Poetry of the Human Figure
According to Ramli Ibrahim, the founder of the Sutra Foundation, Odissi holds a unique appeal for figurative artists. He describes the dance form as a “natural vehicle for poetry,” noting that its inherent lyricism and sensual mystery tempt the imagination of painters and photographers alike. The works on display attempt to capture these fleeting gestures and the spiritual essence of the dancer in a static medium.
About the Sutra Foundation
Established in 2007, the Sutra Foundation has become a premier center for both traditional and contemporary arts in Malaysia. Under the leadership of Ramli Ibrahim, the foundation manages the Sutra Dance Theatre and several art galleries. Known for its meticulous attention to design and choreography, Sutra acts as a vital cultural ambassador. As H.E. Shri Vijay Gokhale once noted, the foundation serves as a two-way portal, representing Malaysian culture in India and bringing Indian heritage to the Malaysian stage.
Contributor
