In an endeavour to help artisans from Bengal in the aftermath of Amphan, Delhi-based art collector Shalini Passi’s digital art platform MASH, in conjunction with the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), have come up with a fundraising exhibition titled ‘Stand with Bengal’, which has been conceived and curated by Ina Puri. The online exhibition that can now be viewed on the websites of both MASH and Emami Art, feature the works of over 25 artists across different mediums.

“The destruction caused by Amphan has been devastating for a community already battling a global pandemic. MASH in conjunction with Ina Puri and KCC has organised Stand with Bengal, which seeks to bring together the arts community and foster healing through the power of art. The fundraiser seeks to bring forth the positive power of creativity to provide the essential support needed for the countless communities affected by the cyclone in West Bengal,” said Shalini.

The exhibition features artists such as Anjan Modak, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, Jayasree Burman and Ramananda Bandyopadhyay; mediums such as oil and acrylic on canvas, water colour on paper and pen and ink on paper; and forms such as bronze sculptures, hand-coloured digital photographs and Warli and Gond art.

“We urge you to support us generously and buy an artwork. The money will benefit those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. I am deeply grateful to the artists who have donated works to raise funds. I am grateful to MASH & KCC for their generosity and support,” said Puri. “Bengal is going through an extremely challenging and difficult time from the aftermath of cyclone Amphan, that too during a pandemic. The only way to overcome this hurdle is by staying positive. We at KCC and Emami Art want to spread positivity and happiness as we believe that optimism is the only way to overcome these difficult times,” added Richa Agarwal of KCC and Emami Art. According to the organisers, the net proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to Ramkrishna Mission, Kolkata.