Indian Modernism in Mehrauli
February 2026 | New Delhi: Gallery Silver Scapes, in collaboration with Dhoomimal Art Gallery, recently hosted an exclusive modernist evening at QLA, Mehrauli, presenting works by two seminal figures of Indian modernism — A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan. Conceived as a continuation of ongoing artistic and intellectual conversations, the gathering brought together collectors, artists, diplomats, and cultural patrons for an intimate engagement with modernist legacies.
A Dialogue Between Figuration and Abstraction
Set against the elegant backdrop of QLA, the presentation created a compelling exchange between Almelkar’s lyrical figuration and Narayanan’s meditative abstraction. The pairing highlighted the breadth of Indian modernist expression, demonstrating how two distinct artistic languages can coexist within a shared framework of memory, form, and philosophical depth.
Launch of a Major Publication on A. A. Almelkar
The evening also marked the launch of a new publication titled ALMELKAR: THE RESURRECTION – Letters & Lines of a Master, which chronicles the artistic journey of the legendary master A. A. Almelkar. The book offers deeper insight into his enduring contribution to Indian art, expanding contemporary understanding of his practice beyond the canvas and into personal correspondence, archival reflection, and critical interpretation.
Rural Memory & Cultural Life
Almelkar’s works reflected his profound engagement with Indian rural life, cultural memory, and lived experience. The publication features works from the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) collection, underscoring institutional recognition of his importance within Indian modernism. Contributions from leading voices — including Archana Khare-Ghose, Vikram Mayor, Rajendra Patil, Dr. Rehaman Patel, Deepak Kannal, Shivprasad Khened, Rekha Hebbar Rao, and Lina Vincent — offer layered perspectives on his stylistic evolution and legacy.
Narayanan’s Sacred Geometry and Stillness
In contrast, Akkitham Narayanan’s contemplative abstractions unfolded through a visual language shaped by sacred geometry and metaphysical thought. Constructed through elemental forms and measured spatial relationships, his canvases introduced moments of stillness and introspection within the evening’s discourse. Narayanan’s gracious presence offered guests a rare opportunity to interact with the senior contemporary artist and gain insight into his philosophy and practice.
Gallery Directors Reflect on Modernism’s Continued Resonance
Speaking on the presentation, Uday Jain, Director of Dhoomimal Art Gallery, noted that bringing together the works of Almelkar and Narayanan allowed Indian modernism to be revisited in a way that is reflective, relevant, and rooted in dialogue. Vikram Mayor, Director of Gallery Silver Scapes, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exchange of ideas throughout the evening as reaffirming the richness of Indian modernist thought and its resonance today.
Event Details
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Modernist Presentation and Publication Launch |
| Date | February 2026 |
| Location | QLA, Mehrauli, New Delhi |
| Hosted By | Gallery Silver Scapes + Dhoomimal Art Gallery |
| Artists Presented | A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan |
| Publication Launched | ALMELKAR: THE RESURRECTION – Letters & Lines of a Master |
| Focus | Revisiting Indian modernism through dialogue, works, and scholarship |
Takeaway
The evening brought together a distinguished cross-section of India’s cultural landscape, including Suhel Seth, Chetan Seth, Ajitabh Bachchan, Ramola Bachchan, and eminent artists such as Jatin Das, Biman Das, M. Pravat, and Manish Pushkale. By presenting the works of A. A. Almelkar and Akkitham Narayanan in a focused yet convivial setting, Dhoomimal Gallery and Gallery Silver Scapes reinforced their commitment to revisiting and recontextualising Indian modernism, ensuring its continued relevance within contemporary cultural discourse.
