Exhibition Overview
A new exhibition titled Colonial Layers opens at 47A Khotachiwadi from March 21 to April 19, offering a layered exploration of Mumbai’s colonial past. Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, except Mondays, the show brings together two artists who reinterpret the historic Khotachiwadi neighbourhood through contemporary artistic practices.
Suhhested Story: A look at British Colonial Architecture in India – Part I
Reimagining a Historic Neighbourhood
The exhibition, presented by 47A Khotachiwadi, focuses on Khotachiwadi, a Portuguese-British heritage enclave located in Girgaum. Known for its distinctive architecture and cultural diversity, the area serves as both subject and context for the artworks. The exhibition reflects on how colonial influences continue to shape present-day urban and cultural identities.
Artists and Their Perspectives
The show features works by Jit Chowdhury and Kaushal Parikh, two artists from distinct backgrounds. Chowdhury, based in Kolkata, is known for his use of shola-pith and indigo collages, materials rooted in Bengal’s ecological landscape. Parikh, a Mumbai-based artist and former banker, combines photography with mixed media painting to capture layered narratives of urban life.
Artistic Approaches and Mediums
Chowdhury’s works draw from natural materials such as mangrove-derived elements, creating textured compositions that reflect historical memory and everyday life. His outsider perspective offers a nuanced reading of Khotachiwadi’s residents and spaces. In contrast, Parikh’s practice focuses on visual documentation and reinterpretation, blending photographic detail with expressive painterly interventions.
Highlights of the Exhibition
- Shola-pith and indigo collages inspired by Bengal’s mangroves
- Mixed-media paintings exploring colonial architecture
- Photographic works capturing everyday life in Khotachiwadi
- Interpretations of heritage homes and fading urban spaces
About the Venue
47A Khotachiwadi is located within a 19th-century Portuguese-style house in Girgaum. The space functions as a gallery dedicated to art, craft, and design, with a focus on research-driven and curated exhibitions. It aims to create dialogue around creative practices while highlighting intersections between traditional craft and contemporary art.
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Cultural Context and Themes
Set in 2026, the exhibition reflects on India’s post-colonial identity, examining how historical influences persist in everyday life. The works explore themes of memory, transformation, and cultural continuity, suggesting that colonial legacies are not static but continue to evolve within modern urban contexts.
Visitor Information
| Aspects | Details |
| Artist | Colonial Layers |
| Artist | Jit Chowdhury, Kaushal Parikh |
| Venue | 47A Khotachiwadi |
| City | Mumbai |
| Opening Date | March 21 |
| Exhibition Dates | March 21 – April 19 |
| Organiser | 47A Khotachiwadi |
| Entry / Tickets | Not specified |
Takeaway
Colonial Layers at 47A Khotachiwadi brings together two distinct artistic voices to reflect on the layered histories embedded in Mumbai’s urban fabric. By engaging with heritage, memory, and contemporary expression, the exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to reconsider how the past continues to shape cultural identity. It contributes to ongoing conversations about preservation, transformation, and the role of art in interpreting history.
