Gallery



The Odessi Dancers





Charcoal on Canvas (c. 2013 – 2015)

Collection: Private Collection – Available for Acquisition

Description: A rare charcoal-on-canvas study capturing the quiet intensity of Odissi dancers in rehearsal at Sutra Dance Theatre. Created by painters from Odessa who observed the troupe during practice, this piece distills rhythm and grace into line — a harmony of motion and stillness rendered through the simplicity of charcoal. Each stroke embodies the meditative discipline and devotion of Odissi, offering a glimpse into the beauty of movement before performance. Provenance:
Acquired directly from Ramli Ibrahim of Sutra Dance Theatre during an Odissi performance, circa 2013 – 2015.

Medium: Charcoal on canvas

Dimensions: 78 cm × 90 cm (including frame)

Frame: Original handcrafted wooden frame, black with gold inner trim

Condition: Excellent minor wear on frame consistent with age

Price: SGD 1,800 (inclusive of delivery within Singapore)

For international acquisition, shipping and insurance charges will apply according to destination.

For inquiries or acquisition requests, please contact: nmadasamy@nmadasamy.com



This work stands as a meeting point between dance and drawing — between breath and line. It is both a tribute to Sutra Dance Theatre’s artistry and a reflection of Malaysia’s rich cross-cultural creative landscape.



My journey with Sutra began long before I ever set foot in its gallery and Kuala Lumpur. I first encountered Ramli Ibrahim’s art of movement through one of his students performing at the Singapore Arts Festival. The dancer’s grace and precision mesmerised me. I remember thinking, “If the student is this good, the guru must be extraordinary.” That thought stayed with me — and eventually led me to seek out Ramli Ibrahim in the media.

When I move to Kuala Lumpur, I would attend the intimate in-house performances at Sutra Dance Theatre near Tasik Titiwangsa. Those evenings introduced me to a world where dance and visual art intertwined where painters translated rhythm into line, and movement became form on canvas.

I acquired this particular piece during a special private viewing at Sutra Gallery, before the exhibition was opened to the public. It was an honour to be invited and I knew I had to bring home one of the works from that collection.

Years later, I still treasure it deeply. Yet, I’ve come to realise that nothing is truly permanent not even the art we love. It feels like the right time to let it go, so that someone else who cherishes the beauty of Indian classical dance may continue its story.



The Dancer





Once there came to the court of the Prince of Birkasha a dancer and her musicians. And she was admitted to the court. And she danced to the music of the flute, the lute, and the zither.

She danced the dance of flames and fire, and the dance of swords and spears she danced the dance of stars and the dance of space, and then she danced the dance of flowers in the wind.

When she had finished, she approached the prince and bowed her body before him. The price bade her to come nearer, and said unto her, "Beautiful woman, daughter of grace and delight, whence comes your art? And how is it that you command all the elements in your rythyms and your rhymes?"

And the dancer came near and bowed her body again and said, "Gracious majesty, I know not the answer to your qustionings. Only this I know: The philosopher sould dwells within his head, the poets soul dwells within his heart, the singers soul dwells about his throat, but the soul of the dancer abides in all her body.

An Excerpt From The Wanderer by Khalil Gibran