Art Magnum will present Earthy Expressions, a group exhibition featuring 16 Indigenous artists from across India, from 23 September to 31 October 2026 in New Delhi. Curated by Kiran K. Mohan, the exhibition explores the relationship between art, nature and cultural memory through a range of traditional and evolving folk and tribal art practices.
Indigenous Traditions in Focus
The exhibition brings together artists working across diverse visual traditions including Gond, Bhil, Bengal Patachitra, Kalamkari, Kalighat, Saura, Warli and Kavi mural art. Also featured are Bronze Bhutta Masks and Himachal Wooden Masks, reflecting the breadth of India’s Indigenous and community-based artistic practices.
Participating Artists
| Anil Bariya | Anil Chaitya Vangad |
| Baluladkiyadumada | Bhuri Bai |
| Dr. Janardhanrao Havanje | Jaishree Sadashiv Mashe |
| Japani Shyam | Kalpana Chitrakar |
| Lado Bai | Manish Shyam |
| Montu Chitrakar | N. Harinath |
| Nankusia Shyam | Piku Chitrakar |
| Sharma Bariya | Sukhnandi Vyam |
Exploring the Connection Between Art and Nature
At the centre of Earthy Expressions is the idea of nature as both subject and source of inspiration. The works examine how Indigenous communities have historically maintained close relationships with the environment through storytelling, rituals, symbolism and visual expression.
Through intricate patterns, vibrant colours and narrative imagery, the artists present varied interpretations of Mother Earth and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Many of the works draw from oral traditions and local folklore while addressing themes that remain relevant in contemporary society.
Tradition and Contemporary Relevance
According to curator Kiran K. Mohan, folk and tribal art traditions continue to remind audiences of the importance of protecting natural resources and maintaining ecological balance. The exhibition positions these artistic practices within present-day conversations around environmental awareness and cultural continuity.
The show also considers how artists are responding to rapid technological change. Rather than presenting tradition and modernity as opposing forces, Earthy Expressions highlights how contemporary practitioners continue to reinterpret inherited visual languages while developing distinct artistic identities.
Artists Shaping Contemporary Folk Art
Several artists featured in the exhibition have received national recognition and have exhibited widely in museums, galleries and cultural institutions. Among them is Bhuri Bai, one of India’s most recognised Bhil artists, known for helping bring tribal visual traditions into contemporary art spaces. Artists from the Gond tradition, including members of the Vangad and Shyam artistic lineages, have also contributed significantly to expanding the visibility of Indigenous art in India and internationally.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
- Gond and Bhil paintings inspired by nature and mythology
- Bengal Patachitra narrative artworks
- Traditional and contemporary Kalamkari works
- Saura and Warli visual storytelling traditions
- Bronze Bhutta Masks and Himachal Wooden Masks
- Works reflecting environmental and cultural themes
About Art Magnum
The exhibition will be hosted at Art Magnum, a New Delhi-based gallery established in 1986. The gallery has built a reputation for presenting traditional, modern and contemporary South Asian art while supporting both emerging and established artists. Over the years, it has organised exhibitions in India and internationally, showcasing a broad range of artistic practices.
Located in South Delhi’s Yusuf Sarai area, Art Magnum has become a regular venue for exhibitions featuring established masters alongside new voices in Indian art.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Title | Earthy Expressions |
| Curator | Group Exhibition of Indigenous Artists |
| Curator | Kiran K. Mohan |
| Venue | Art Magnum, 60/2C, 3rd Floor, Indian Oil Complex, Yusuf Sarai, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi – 110016 |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 23 September – 31 October 2026 |
| Timings | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Days | Monday–Saturday; Sundays by appointment |
| Organiser | Art Magnum |
A Dialogue Between Heritage and the Present
By bringing together artists from multiple regional traditions, Earthy Expressions creates a platform for conversations around cultural preservation, artistic evolution and environmental awareness. The exhibition demonstrates how Indigenous art continues to carry knowledge across generations while adapting to contemporary realities. Through its diverse range of practices, the show offers visitors an opportunity to engage with living traditions that remain deeply connected to community life, cultural memory and the natural world.
