An exhibition titled Through the Artist’s Eye: A Century of Sight and Service at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital opened in New Delhi on April 28, 2026. The show presents the work of British artist Stuart Robertson, developed during an 18-month residency at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital. It is on view at Bikaner House Centre for Contemporary Art until May 3, 2026.
A Residency Rooted in Care
The exhibition emerges from Robertson’s extended engagement within the hospital environment, where he worked alongside medical staff, patients, and the surrounding communities of Daryaganj and Old Delhi. What began as a donation evolved into an immersive residency, allowing the artist to observe and participate in the daily rhythms of a functioning charitable institution.
Curatorial Framework and Concept
Curated by Ashish Sahoo and Zaarya Chaudhari, the exhibition explores the relationship between art and healthcare. The curatorial approach situates the hospital not as an isolated medical site but as part of a broader social and urban ecosystem. It also raises questions about perception, observation, and the ethics of representation.
Artistic Approach and Mediums
The exhibition brings together multiple forms of artistic practice, reflecting Robertson’s interdisciplinary approach:
- Monochromatic photography documenting clinical and human interactions
- Drawings created within surgical and recovery spaces
- Bronze sculptures focusing on human presence
- Cyanotypes developed using sunlight, connecting light and vision
These works collectively present a layered narrative of care, labour, and human connection within the hospital.
Extending Beyond the Hospital
Robertson’s work extends into the surrounding neighbourhoods of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk, highlighting the interconnection between the hospital and its urban context. The exhibition also includes references to his ongoing blog, Art of Sevā, which features reflections from medical practitioners and contributors, expanding the project beyond the gallery space.
Institutional Background and Support
Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital has served communities in Delhi for over a century, focusing on accessible eye care through a model rooted in service and innovation. The exhibition is supported by the Eicher Group Foundation, which has worked with the hospital since 1996 as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Exhibition Highlights
Key aspects of the exhibition include:
- A rare artist residency within a working hospital setting
- Focus on the human and social dimensions of healthcare
- Integration of art with medical and community narratives
- Exploration of vision as both a physical and conceptual experience
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Exhibition | Through the Artist’s Eye: A Century of Sight and Service at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital |
| Artist | Stuart Robertson |
| Venue | Bikaner House Centre for Contemporary Art |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | April 28 – May 3, 2026 |
| Organiser | Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital; Eicher Group Foundation |
The exhibition is open to the public at Bikaner House Centre for Contemporary Art from April 28 to May 3, 2026. Entry details have not been specified, and visitors are encouraged to check venue guidelines before attending.
Takeaway
Through the Artist’s Eye presents an intersection of art, medicine, and social engagement, offering insights into how creative practices can engage with institutional spaces. By focusing on perception and shared responsibility, the exhibition highlights how art can contribute to broader conversations about care, dignity, and community in contemporary society.
