Cinema India : Art of Bollywood at the National Gallery of Victoria

Melbourne - India’s film industry is now the most prolific in the world.  In 1931 a modest 28 films were produced in India; in 1947 that figure reached 280.  Today nearly 1000 movies are made each year – the largest output in the world.  Some of the most remarkable examples of Indian cinema art are soon to land in Melbourne as the National Gallery of Victoria opens Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood on exhibition until 20 May, 2007.  From large-scale hoardings and over 100 posters to costumes and excerpts from key films, Cinema India charts the historical, political and cultural changes in India as seen through the eyes of the Bollywood film industry.

Bollywood has become the popular name for commercial Hindi-language cinema produced in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and is considered the national cinema of India.  Growth in the cinema industry ran parallel to a period of great change in India.  Thus, each phase in Indian history – the processes of industrialization, urbanization, the fight for independence from British rule – is reflected in the changing aesthetics of Indian cinema.

Tony Ellwood, Deputy Director International Art, NGV said Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood was sure to delight a wide range of audiences upon its opening in Melbourne.  “Bollywood films are hugely popular worldwide and this exhibition presents a fascinating look at the art behind the industry.  The costumes, posters, promotional booklets, film excerpts, large-scale hoardings and photo cards are going to look spectacular when presented together at the NGV,” Mr Ellwood said.

Advertisements for Bollywood films have to communicate across regional, religious and linguistic boundaries. 

Laurie Benson, Curator International Art, NGV said it is imperative for all promotional material to have a strong visual impact: “In India’s major urban centers, posters and banners must function in an environment where they compete for attention with a great deal of distracting visual stimuli,” he said.

“Key elements of the film are expressed through bold designs, bright colors, inventive typography and minimal text.  It certainly makes for an impressive display when the greatest designs are presented in the one space as they are in this exhibition.”

Cinema India: The Art of Bollywood will travel to the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney from 6 June – 14 October 2007.  Exhibition organized by the V&A, London. An exciting range of education and public programs have been developed in association with the exhibition.  Visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au for more details.