Artist Chandra Bhattacharjee presents a new body of work titled "A Star Amongst Too Many" at the Sarala Birla gallery within the Birla Academy of Art and Culture in Kolkata. Curated by Uma Ray, the exhibition features large-scale charcoal drawings that depict marginalized figures such as ragpickers, trash collectors, beggars, and street vendors. The works use black-and-white charcoal with occasional bursts of yellow and rust—the latter symbolizing neglect—to highlight the overlooked lives of these individuals. The show runs until May 24, 2026.
The exhibition matters because it uses visual art to amplify the presence of people who are routinely ignored by society, turning them into monumental subjects worthy of attention. By focusing on the dignity and stories of the marginalized, Bhattacharjee challenges viewers to reconsider their own perceptions and the social hierarchies that render certain lives invisible. The show also demonstrates how traditional materials like charcoal can be employed to convey profound social commentary, bridging personal observation with universal themes of neglect and humanity.