Before You See the Scar: Monica Dhaka’s Photography Exhibition to Open at Dhoomimal Art Centre

A new photography exhibition by Monica Dhaka will open at Dhoomimal Art Centre in New Delhi on 14 September 2026. Titled Before You See the Scar, the exhibition brings together photographic works developed in collaboration with acid attack survivors associated with the Brave Souls Foundation in Delhi. The exhibition focuses on identity, survival, and the ways in which visible scars can shape public perception.

Opening with a Panel Discussion

The exhibition will open with a panel discussion at 5 PM on 14 September at Dhoomimal Art Centre, Connaught Place. Participants include Shaheen Malik, Founder and Director of the Brave Souls Foundation; Reshma Bano Qureshi, National Coordinator of the foundation; and Ms. Premlata. The discussion will be moderated by Michelin-star chef and artist Suvir Saran. The preview will run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The exhibition will remain on view until 23 September 2026 and can be visited from Monday to Saturday between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM at Dhoomimal Art Centre, A8 Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Exploring Identity Beyond Visible Scars

According to the organisers, Before You See the Scar is not solely about violence or trauma. Instead, it examines the lives of women beyond the experiences that altered them. The exhibition seeks to draw attention to their identities, aspirations, relationships, and futures rather than reducing them to a single aspect of their personal history. All proceeds from the exhibition will be directed to the Brave Souls Foundation.

The project encourages viewers to reconsider first impressions and reflect on how individuals are often defined by visible differences before being recognised as complete human beings.

Monica Dhaka’s Artistic Practice

Monica Dhaka is a visual artist whose practice spans India and the United Kingdom. Her work frequently investigates themes of identity, belonging, community, and gender-based discrimination. Recent interviews and public presentations of her work indicate an ongoing interest in challenging stereotypes and exploring how people navigate social stigma and questions of acceptance.

For this exhibition, Dhaka uses close-up photographs of skin, scars, bodies, and physical marks. Through techniques such as mirroring, repetition, and digital image manipulation, these images are transformed into abstract compositions and landscape-like forms. From a distance, the works may appear decorative or unfamiliar, but closer viewing reveals traces of lived experiences and personal histories.

Highlights of the Exhibition

• Photographic works created in collaboration with acid attack survivors.
• Abstract visual compositions derived from skin, scars, and bodily marks.
• Exploration of identity, belonging, and social perception.
• Fundraising support for the Brave Souls Foundation.
• Public panel discussion featuring survivors, activists, and cultural voices.

Voices Behind the Project

Speaking about the exhibition, Monica Dhaka noted her interest in the marks people carry through life and how these visible traces can shape perceptions of individuals and communities. Suvir Saran described the exhibition as an effort to create space for participants to be heard on their own terms rather than becoming symbols of a larger issue. Mohit Jain highlighted the way the photographs move beyond aesthetics to address the lasting consequences of violence and memory.

Event at a Glance

Takeaway

Before You See the Scar brings together photography, personal narratives, and social engagement to examine how identity is formed and perceived. Through collaboration with acid attack survivors, Monica Dhaka’s exhibition encourages viewers to look beyond physical appearances and consider the complexity of individual lives. Presented at Dhoomimal Art Centre, the exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations about representation, dignity, and belonging within contemporary society and the arts.