‘He Who Permeates’, a joint exhibition curated by Mihir Thakkar, is currently on view at Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai. Featuring contemporary artists Jayesh Sachdev and NFN Kalyan, the exhibition examines how imagery and symbols are reinterpreted across cultural contexts in a hyper-visual age. The show is open daily from 11 am to 6:30 pm until May 28, 2026.
Concept and Curatorial Framework
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Drawing its title from an epithet of Vishnu, the exhibition frames meaning as something that permeates across traditions and visual systems. It proposes that perception is not fixed but continuously shaped by cultural shifts and layered references. Through this framework, the exhibition encourages viewers to reconsider familiar symbols beyond their conventional interpretations.
Artists in Dialogue
The exhibition brings together two distinct artistic practices. Sachdev’s work spans painting, sculpture, and immersive formats, while Kalyan’s practice draws on narrative traditions and global pop-cultural imagery. Together, their works create a visual dialogue that repositions iconography within contemporary contexts, prompting reflective engagement with visual culture.
NFN Kalyan’s India Debut
This exhibition marks NFN Kalyan’s first presentation in India. Based in the United States, the artist is known for multidisciplinary conceptual works that explore identity, politics, and the human condition. His practice reflects a cross-cultural perspective shaped by an India–US background and a strong digital presence, resulting in layered visual narratives that combine diverse references.
Jayesh Sachdev’s Expanding Practice
Mumbai-based Jayesh Sachdev is recognised for his multidisciplinary approach that includes painting, sculpture, and design. As the founder of Quirk Box, he has developed a practice that blends mythology with contemporary and technological elements. His works often engage with symbols that oscillate between reverence and critique in a visually saturated environment.
Exhibition Highlights
Key aspects of the exhibition include:
- Intersections of mythology, iconography, and pop culture
- Use of painting, sculpture, and experiential formats
- Exploration of identity and shifting visual meanings
- A dialogue between Indian and global cultural references
Venue and Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Art Exhibition | He Who Permeates |
| Artist | Jayesh Sachdev, NFN Kalyan |
| Venue | Tao Art Gallery |
| City | Mumbai |
| Opening Date | April 27, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | Until May 28, 2026 (11 am to 6:30 pm daily) |
| Organiser | Tao Art Gallery |
| Entry / Tickets | Not specified |
Hosted at Tao Art Gallery in Mumbai, the exhibition continues the gallery’s focus on showcasing contemporary Indian and international artists. The show is open to visitors daily from 11 am to 6:30 pm and will run until May 28, 2026. Entry details have not been specified, and visitors are encouraged to contact the gallery for further information.
Curatorial and Institutional Context
Tao Art Gallery has been an active space in Mumbai’s contemporary art scene, supporting emerging and established artists through curated exhibitions. With ‘He Who Permeates’, the gallery continues its engagement with practices that respond to evolving visual cultures and global narratives.
Takeaway
‘He Who Permeates’ presents a layered exploration of how meaning is constructed and reinterpreted in contemporary visual culture. By bringing together two distinct artistic voices, the exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to reflect on identity, symbolism, and perception. In doing so, it contributes to broader conversations on how art mediates cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
