9 months ago
Kolkata's 'Craft of Comics' Exhibition Celebrates Artistry
In 2025, Kolkata hosted an exciting exhibition called 'The Craft of Comics' at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture.
This exhibition was special because it didn't just show finished comic art but also showed how the artists create their work.
The curators, Sujaan Mukherjee and Pinaki De, wanted people to understand the effort and creativity that goes into making comics.
They set up workshops where people could learn from the artists themselves.
For example, Argha Manna taught a workshop on how to draw historical events as comics, and Sankha Banerjee showed how to create graphic novels.
The exhibition also had talks by artists and historians, making it a place for learning and discussion.
Many different artists displayed their unique styles and techniques, making the exhibition a rich and diverse experience.
The event was very popular, especially with young people, showing that comics are a beloved art form that can appeal to everyone.
The Craft of Comics exhibition in Kolkata showcased the process and artistry behind comic creation, challenging the perception of comics as a juvenile art form.
Curators Sujaan Mukherjee and Pinaki De focused on the comic-making enterprise, highlighting the labor and craft behind each comic.
The exhibition featured works by various artists, including Appupen, Amruta Patil, and Sankha Banerjee, each showcasing unique techniques and styles.
Workshops and talks, such as 'History in Comic Art' and 'Visualising Mahabharata', engaged the audience in learning and creating comic art.
The event drew a vibrant response, particularly from young audiences, demonstrating the universal appeal and depth of graphic narratives.
- Who
- Organized by the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, curated by Sujaan Mukherjee and Pinaki De, featuring works by various artists.
- What
- An exhibition showcasing the craft and process behind comic art, including workshops and talks.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- When
- November and December 2025.
- Why
- To highlight the artistry and labor behind comic creation, engaging the audience in the process.
Key facts
- Event Name
- The Craft of Comics
- Organizer
- Birla Academy of Art and Culture
- Duration
- November and December 2025
- Location
- Kolkata
- Curators
- Sujaan Mukherjee and Pinaki De
- Participating Artists
- Appupen, Amruta Patil, Argha Manna, Chitra Ganesh, Priya Kuriyan, Orijit Sen, Ikroop Sandhu, Joshy Benedict, Sankha Banerjee, Ita Mehrotra, Sarbajit Sen, Sarnath Banerjee, Vishwajyoti Ghosh
- Workshops
- History in Comic Art, The Graphic Novel Blueprint
- Talks
- Visualising Mahabharata, Life in Comics, Kafi Khan @ 125, Picture Stories
Quotes
Sujaan Mukherjee
Exhibition co-curator
“Why would someone leave the comfort of their home and come to a gallery to see comics? This question drove us to imagine the exhibition as a space for immersive, intimate encounters not just with the images but with the processes of image-making.”
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The Craft of Comics exhibition manifesto
Exhibition manifesto
“It’s not just about the narratives, is it?”
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