On April 3, the exhibition Ode to Amrita Sher-Gil – Masterpieces from Dutch Museums opens. The Drents Museum, together with several other museums, presents an exhibition about identity, freedom, connection, and love.
"Europe belongs to Picasso, Matisse, Braque, and many others. India belongs only to me."
With these words, the Hungarian-Indian Amrita Sher-Gil (Budapest 1913 – Lahore 1941) describes her unique position in the art world. She lived only 28 years but left behind an impressive and influential body of work in which modern European painting merges with Indian colors, themes, and stories. Her art was still evolving when Sher-Gil passed away.
We live in a time when hard-won values such as openness and freedom of expression are under pressure. Collaboration is perhaps more relevant than ever, and culture offers an important key to this. Sher-Gil, as a global citizen, is the prime example of mutual understanding and respect for each other’s values. Her story and artworks continue to inspire today and offer perspectives for a better future.
Ode to Amrita Sher-Gil explores themes from the life of the Hungarian-Indian artist: identity, freedom, connection, and love. In the exhibition, you will discover remarkable masterpieces that have never before been seen together.
We look forward to opening the exhibition Amrita Sher-Gil: “Europe belongs to Picasso, India belongs to me” at a later date. Please keep an eye on our website for more information.
This exhibition is postponed, click here for more information.
In 2026, the Drents Museum will have the premiere of the very first Amrita Sher-Gil exhibition in the Netherlands.
