As the year reaches its midpoint, the art world in India and abroad comes alive with a vibrant array of exhibitions and shows, ensuring our calendars are brimming with cultural engagements. From retrospectives to celebrations of portraiture, the art scene in July 2023 promises an exceptional range of experiences for art enthusiasts. Delve into a world of artistic expression and mark these captivating exhibitions on your cultural radar.
Visages at Art Musings, Mumbai
Portraiture has undergone a remarkable evolution since the advent of photography, with artists seeking to capture the essence of personalities and intimate characteristics on their canvases. “Visages,” a group exhibition at Art Musings, Mumbai, celebrates the art of human portraiture by showcasing works by esteemed artists such as KG Subramanyan, Sakti Burman, Jogen Chowdhury, Jayasri Burman, Maïté Delteil, T Vaikuntam, Suhas Roy, Laxma Goud, Suhas Bahulkar, Neeraj Goswami, and Lalu Prasad Shaw. From oil paintings, acrylics, and watercolors to etchings and sculptures, this visually stunning exhibition brings together renowned artists who offer stylized representations of the human form.
Cut From The Same Cloth by Seema Kohli at Bikaner House, New Delhi
Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian legends and myths, Seema Kohli weaves captivating narratives that explore the realms of beauty, spirituality, and sensuality. In “Cut From The Same Cloth,” an exhibition at Bikaner House, New Delhi, Kohli, known for her intricately detailed artworks, celebrates the female form and the cosmic energy of ‘shakti.’ Through 15 meticulously embroidered artworks using silk, cotton threads, beads, and sequins on untreated canvas cloth, Kohli brings to life her personal experiences and influences as a brilliant abstract storyteller.
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Dasht-Gard by Shad Fatima at Art & Charlie, Mumbai
The Urdu term “Dasht-Gard,” meaning ‘wanderer,’ ‘lover,’ or ‘madman,’ perfectly encapsulates the body of work by Bhopal-based artist Shad Fatima. Her delightful creations pay homage to the powerful ‘wandering spirit’ that resides within all of us. “Dasht-Gard” at Art & Charlie, Mumbai, showcases a series of charcoal portraits and ceramic sculptures portraying whimsical and fantastical characters against the backdrop of abstract monochrome landscapes. Fatima reminds us that, in a society often confined by rigid constructs, we are all wanderers on a collective journey, bound together by the threads of our interdependence.
Brasilia 60+ and the Construction of Modern Brazil and Nature Strikes Back: Photographs by Emmanuel Lenain at Bihar Museum, Patna
To captivate local audiences and pique curiosity, what better way than showcasing striking photographs? Curated by renowned art connoisseur Dr. Alka Pande, two photography exhibitions at Bihar Museum serve as preludes to the eagerly awaited second edition of the Bihar Museum Biennale. “Brasilia 60+” commemorates Brazil’s 200 years of independence, depicting the capital’s evolving architecture through captivating imagery. On the other hand, “Nature Strikes Back” presents a series of poignant monochrome photographs, shedding light on the adverse impact of human intervention on nature and our delicate ecosystems. Each photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity to respect and preserve our natural world.
K.G. Subramanyan: His Art As Language at Chatterjee & Lal, Mumbai
A stalwart who actively participated in India’s freedom struggle and later emerged as one of the nation’s most revered artists, K.G. Subramanyan’s artistic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. “K.G. Subramanyan: His Art As Language,” a two-part exhibition at Chatterjee & Lal, sheds light on the profound influence of renowned art historian E.H. Gombrich on Subramanyan’s work. Showcasing creations crafted using markers, sand, and various other media, this exhibition offers viewers a glimpse into the legendary artist’s masterful use of art as a medium for effective communication between artist and audience.
Ephemeroptera: Time After Time at Tarq, Mumbai
Derived from the scientific term for Mayflies, creatures whose existence lasts from a mere thirty minutes to twenty-four hours, “Ephemeroptera: Time After Time” is a thought-provoking group exhibition at Tarq in collaboration with Gallery XXL. This exhibition, curated by Deeksha Nath, serves as a meditation on memory, permanence, and transience. Through the works of artists such as Amitabh Kumar, Daku, Nibha Sikander, Philippe Calia, Sajid Wajid Shaikh, and Vishwa Shroff, the exhibition explores themes of loss, memory, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the fleeting essence of existence—themes strikingly resonant with the ephemeral lives of mayflies.
Very Small Feelings at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi
In the whirlwind of life, it is essential to embrace the child within us and keep our sense of wonder alive. “Very Small Feelings,” a collaborative exhibition between Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Dhaka’s Samdani Art Foundation, curated by Akansha Rastogi and Diana Campbell, aims to achieve just that. Featuring 42 projects, including historical works, performances, books, archival materials, and installations born from artists’ creative prompts, this exhibition invites viewers to rediscover their youth and relive the magic of childhood. The exhibition transforms the museum into a playground and a creative space, fostering intergenerational conversations and exploration.
Shanti Dave: Neither Earth, Nor Sky at DAG, New Delhi
Renowned as one of India’s finest artists of the 20th century, Shanti Dave’s creative journey finds a retrospective home at DAG, New Delhi. “Shanti Dave: Neither Earth, Nor Sky” pays tribute to Dave’s brilliance as a painter, printmaker, and muralist. The exhibition features a wide range of works, including rarely seen early figurative pieces created under the guidance of stalwarts N.S. Bendre and K.G. Subramanyan, as well as previously unrevealed monochrome graphic watercolors inspired by the Indo-Pak War. Dave’s enigmatic artistry, often incorporating beeswax to produce relief-like encaustic paintings, leaves viewers captivated and eager to delve into the enigma of his creations.
Mycelial Legacies II at Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation, Mumbai
The Faculty of Fine Arts at M.S. University, Baroda, has nurtured numerous prominent artists who have made indelible marks on contemporary Indian art. Curated by Deeksha Nath, “Mycelial Legacies II” focuses on the works of 22 distinguished female artists who have traversed the hallowed hallways of the Baroda School of Art. Spanning six decades, this exhibition showcases an array of diverse media, including works by Anita Dube, Gargi Raina, Hema Upadhyay, Jayashree Chakravarty, Madhurima Patni, Manisha Parekh, Mrinalini Mukherjee, Nasreen Mohamedi, Nilima Sheikh, Pushpamala N., Rekha Rodwittiya, Shakuntala Kulkarni, Soghra Khurasani, and Vasudha Thozhur. The exhibition aims to expand viewers’ understanding of the Baroda School’s invaluable contribution to the Indian art landscape.
These eleven captivating art shows offer a wealth of visual experiences for art enthusiasts and aficionados alike. Whether you’re drawn to portraiture, ancient legends, abstract storytelling, photography, or the exploration of memory and childhood, the Indian art scene is ready to captivate and inspire you. Make sure to mark your calendars and immerse yourself in these remarkable exhibitions that embody the diverse and vibrant spirit of Indian contemporary art.
