Outsider Art — the phrase first appeared in 1972 in the title of a book by Roger Cardinal to describe art created by individuals outside the bounds of formal artistic training. Earlier, in the 1940s, Jean Dubuffet referred to such work as ‘art brut’ or ‘raw art’, implying art that emerged from the fringes and periphery of society. In essence, ‘outsider art’ is understood as art produced outside the boundaries of official culture.

For us at CIMA, it was of paramount interest to explore visual creativity as a pursuit — its source, essence, motivational instincts and intrinsic nature — along with the impact of the freedom afforded by existing outside the structures of formal learning.

The world of visual art in India is replete with examples of individuals who began their careers as professionals in various fields but gradually gravitated toward mainstream art. The much-acclaimed Rabindranath Tagore, Bhupen Khakhar (who began as an accountant and writer), and Sudhir Patwardhan (a radiologist and practising physician) are just a few prominent examples. Bhupen and Sudhir, of course, eventually emerged more prominently in their roles as major artists.

As the eminent Bengal artist, Ganesh Pyne, once observed, “[H]ad Rabindranath Tagore received formal training, in all probability we would have missed out altogether on his exceptional visual expression.” Yet, we have chosen to keep Tagore out of the purview of this exhibition as, in his later years, he entered mainstream exhibitions and gallery spaces, eventually emerging as an iconic figure in the history of Indian visual art.

In the present group, we encounter individuals — many illustrious in their own right — who have pursued visual art with deep passion, often guided by an inner urge to express and communicate. Through their works, viewers gain entry into fascinating worlds of imagination and introspection.

Their lives as politicians, business leaders, actors, dancers, academics and musicians have unquestionably shaped their creative expressions, allowing them to reveal new facets of their inner worlds. Free from the constraints of formal training, they engage with form and colour instinctively, playfully and organically. This unrestrained engagement is precisely what makes Outsider Art so compelling for a gallery such as ours, which typically operates within the framework of art history and established artistic practice.

Art belongs to everyone and endures across time. It uplifts, provokes, delights and questions. It channels creative energies and serves as a profound unifier. Outsider Art embodies all of this — and much more.

CIMA remains deeply grateful to all the participants and their estates for their unequivocal support in making this exhibition possible.