A new group exhibition titled Next/Now will open in New Delhi on 29 May 2026, bringing together artists featured in ARTIndia Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list. Organised in collaboration with ARTIndia Magazine and Vadehra Art Gallery, the exhibition presents recent works by 30 emerging practitioners working across contemporary mediums.
The exhibition opens from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vadehra Art’s gallery space at D-53, Defence Colony, as part of Defence Colony Gallery Night.
Focus on Emerging Contemporary Practices
Next/Now brings together a younger generation of artists whose practices explore identity, memory, technology, material experimentation, social realities, and contemporary culture. According to the organisers, the exhibition reflects the concerns and artistic approaches shaping a new phase of contemporary Indian art.
The participating artists were selected as part of ARTIndia Magazine’s “30 Under 30” initiative, launched during the publication’s 30th anniversary year. The platform highlights emerging practitioners from across India through an open-call and jury-led selection process.
Collaboration Between ARTIndia and Vadehra Art
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Founded in 1990, Vadehra Art Gallery has been associated with modern and contemporary Indian art through exhibitions, artist representation, and institutional collaborations. The gallery’s Defence Colony space has become part of Delhi’s growing network of gallery districts, alongside regular public art walks and gallery nights.
ARTIndia Magazine, meanwhile, has been active in documenting and supporting contemporary art discourse in India through publishing, education initiatives, and artist-focused programmes. The “30 Under 30” edition was conceived as part of the magazine’s 30-year milestone celebrations.
Exhibition Highlights
- Works by 30 emerging contemporary artists
- Multiple mediums including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and mixed media
- Exhibition opening during Defence Colony Gallery Night
- Collaborative initiative between ARTIndia and Vadehra Art
- Partial proceeds supporting ARTIndia Care Fund
Support for ARTIndia Care Fund
A section of the exhibition proceeds will contribute to the ARTIndia Care Fund, an initiative focused on supporting medical care for young artists. The organisers said the fundraising component is intended to address healthcare support within the artistic community.
The exhibition also acknowledges the support of Sangita Jindal, President of ARTIndia, along with members of the “30 Under 30” jury including Himanshu Kadam, Jaiveer Johal, Shaleen Wadhwana, Varunika Saraf, and Veerangana Solanki.
Defence Colony Gallery Night
The opening coincides with Defence Colony Gallery Night, a recurring art event that encourages visitors to move between galleries in the neighbourhood. In recent years, Defence Colony has emerged as one of Delhi’s active contemporary art districts with increasing public participation in gallery events and exhibition walks.
Visitor Information
The exhibition opens on Friday, 29 May 2026, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Vadehra Art, D-53 Defence Colony, New Delhi.
| Event | Details |
| Title | 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩|𝙉𝙤𝙬: 𝙄𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙍𝙏 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙖’𝙨 ‘30 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 30’ |
| Artists | ARTIndia Magazine ‘30 Under 30’ artists |
| Venue | Vadehra Art, D-53 Defence Colony |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | 29 May 2026 |
| Opening Time | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Organiser | ARTIndia Magazine and Vadehra Art |
| Entry | Open to visitors |
| Website | https://www.vadehraart.com/ |
Takeaway
With Next/Now, ARTIndia and Vadehra Art bring attention to a younger generation of practitioners working across contemporary forms and ideas. The exhibition also reflects broader conversations around support systems, visibility, and sustainability within the arts ecosystem. By combining exhibition-making with community support initiatives, the project situates emerging artistic practice within a wider cultural and social context.
