All Bengal Painting Exhibition: Stroke by Stroke – A Canvas of New Voices

Kolkata’s Academy of Fine Arts recently came alive with the vivid colours and experimental spirit of the All Bengal Painting Exhibition: Stroke by Stroke. This event brought together a wide array of emerging painters from across the state, offering a stage for young talent to express bold ideas, regional narratives, and artistic freedom.

At its core, the exhibition celebrated diversity in visual language. From abstract expressionism to traditional realism, the displayed works revealed the evolving identity of Bengal’s younger generation of artists. Some canvases explored deep personal themes like alienation or nostalgia, while others addressed urgent societal concerns—climate anxiety, urban chaos, and mental health.

One of the most compelling aspects was the raw, unfiltered energy of the artworks. Many artists used unconventional materials or techniques—ink splashes, textured brushwork, and layered mediums—to move beyond the bounds of formal training. The visual experience was one of movement, flux, and the redefinition of storytelling through art.

The curators took great care to present a non-hierarchical space, giving equal visibility to lesser-known artists alongside those with some recognition. As a result, the exhibition felt like an open forum where fresh perspectives were not just welcomed but celebrated.

The public response was heartening. Art students, critics, and casual visitors crowded the venue each day, engaging in discussions and attending walk-throughs with the artists. Many remarked on the authentic regional flavour in the artworks—a return to local landscapes, folklore, and cultural motifs, blended with the realities of a digital, rapidly changing world.

“Stroke by Stroke” proved to be more than just a showcase—it was a reflection of Bengal’s enduring artistic spirit, reimagined for a new era. As Kolkata continues to nurture creativity at grassroots levels, such exhibitions become vital bridges between the city’s artistic legacy and the future it is steadily painting.