Shrine Empire will inaugurate its new gallery space in Defence Colony, New Delhi, on 21 April 2026 with प्रक्रिया / Process, a group exhibition featuring artists from its roster. The exhibition will remain on view until 23 May 2026 and will reflect on process as both method and meaning, bringing together diverse practices rooted in the South Asian context.
A New Chapter for Shrine Empire
Founded in 2008 by Anahita Taneja and Shefali Somani, Shrine Empire has established itself as a platform for contemporary South Asian art with a focus on research-driven and process-oriented practices. The opening of the new space marks a continuation of its commitment to expanding dialogues around art and material experimentation.
Exhibition Focus: Process as Practice
प्रक्रिया / Process explores the idea of process not only as a technical approach but also as a conceptual framework. The exhibition brings together multiple artistic voices, encouraging dialogue across mediums and methodologies while situating them within a broader South Asian perspective.
Participating Artists
The exhibition features works by a wide range of artists, including:
- Amitava
- Anoli Perera
- Arun Dev
- Awdhesh Tamrakar
- Baaraan Ijlal
- Divya Singh
- Hema Shironi
- Moonis Ijlal
- Nandita Kumar
- Neerja Kothari
- Paribartana Mohanty
- Ranjana Thapalyal
- Renuka Rajiv
- Sajan Mani
- Samanta Batra Mehta
- Sangita Maity
- Sarker Protick
- Shruti Mahajan
- Tayeba Begum Lipi
Architecture and Spatial Design
The new 2,400 square foot gallery has been designed by Vritima Wadhwa, founder of Project 810. Conceived as a space rooted in essentialism, the design moves away from the conventional white cube model. It incorporates layered experiences including a reading salon, coffee corner, mezzanine, and viewing lounge.
Wadhwa describes the gallery as a “curated silence,” where adaptable lighting and material warmth create an environment that supports the evolving nature of contemporary art practices.
Rethinking the Gallery Experience
According to the founders, the new space is envisioned as a discursive and immersive environment. Visitors are encouraged to engage with art beyond passive viewing through spaces designed for reading, reflection, and conversation.
Key features of the space include:
- A dedicated reading salon
- Coffee collaboration area
- Viewing lounge and private meeting spaces
- Flexible exhibition layout
About the Designer
Vritima Wadhwa is an AD100 designer and recipient of the EDIDA Designer of the Year award. Her studio, Project 810, founded in 2013–14, is based in New Delhi and focuses on contemporary design approaches informed by both local and global influences.
Institutional Context and Outreach
Over the years, Shrine Empire has participated in major international art fairs such as Art Basel Hong Kong, Art SG, Artissima, Asia Now Paris, and Art Dubai. The gallery also runs outreach initiatives through the Prameya Art Foundation, contributing to discourse around contemporary art and its social and political contexts.
Event at a Glance
| Aspects | Details |
| Event | प्रक्रिया / Process – Group Exhibition (Multiple Artists) |
| Venue | Shrine Empire, B-24, Defence Colony |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | 21 April 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 21 April – 23 May 2026 |
| Organiser | Shrine Empire |
| Entry / Tickets | Not specified |
| Website / Registration | Not specified |
The exhibition will be open to the public at Shrine Empire’s new venue in Defence Colony, New Delhi, from 21 April to 23 May 2026. Visitors are encouraged to spend time within the space, engaging with both artworks and the environment designed to support reflection and dialogue.
Takeaway
With प्रक्रिया / Process, Shrine Empire opens its new space not just as a gallery but as a site for sustained artistic engagement. The exhibition reflects a broader commitment to process-driven practices and positions the space as a platform for dialogue within the South Asian art landscape.
