The paintings of Amrita Sher-Gil, from the collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, are finally coming to Assen. This means the long-awaited exhibition Amrita Sher-Gil: “Europe belongs to Picasso, India belongs to me” can now go ahead.
The exhibition will be on view from 14 May to 20 September 2026. Tickets are now available.
“Europe belongs to Picasso, Matisse, Braque and many others. India belongs only to me.” With these words, Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) described her unique position in the art world. The Hungarian-Indian artist lived only 28 years, yet left behind an impressive and influential body of work, combining modern European painting with Indian colours and narratives.
This is Sher-Gil’s very first exhibition in the Netherlands, and it has been almost twenty years since her work was last shown in Europe.
On view from Thursday 14 May
In March, Sher-Gil’s masterpieces were unable to travel due to sudden geopolitical tensions. The exhibition had to be postponed at the last moment, and—with the help of 23 other museums—the temporary exhibition Ode to Amrita Sher-Gil was created in record time.
Until recently, it remained uncertain when Sher-Gil’s works would be able to come to the Netherlands. That uncertainty has now come to an end, and we are pleased to announce that her work will be on view at the Drents Museum from 14 May.
Picasso, Matisse and Braque
Three works from Ode to Amrita Sher-Gil will also be included in the new exhibition: paintings by the three masters Sher-Gil refers to in her famous quote—Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Georges Braque. These works form a special addition to the exhibition, further reinforcing its title.
Head Curator Annemiek Rens, together with the curatorial team of the National Gallery of Modern Art India, has produced a beautifully illustrated book to accompany the exhibition. The publication tells the story of Amrita Sher-Gil—her art and her life.
The book is already available in the museum shop and via the Drents Museum webshop.
The paintings of Amrita Sher-Gil, from the collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, are coming to Assen. This means the long-awaited exhibition Amrita Sher-Gil: 'Europe belongs to Picasso, India belongs to me' can start at 14 May.
