Ahmedabad’s contemporary art space 079|STORIES will present A Moment’s Reprieve, a solo exhibition of paintings by Ahmedabad-based artist Pulkit Prajapati, curated by Samir Wadekar. Opening on October 2, 2026, the exhibition will remain on view until October 27, 2026, at 079|STORIES in Ahmedabad. The exhibition examines the relationship between place, memory, and the passage of time through a series of paintings inspired by changing urban landscapes.
Exploring Places That Remain in Memory
According to the exhibition note, A Moment’s Reprieve focuses on spaces that continue to exist in memory even after their physical forms have changed or disappeared. Drawing inspiration from weathered walls, fading structures, roadside spaces, and overlooked urban corners, Prajapati reflects on how places are remembered through fragments of colour, texture, atmosphere, and sensation. The exhibition considers landscape not as a fixed reality but as something continuously reshaped by time and experience.
From Portraiture to Landscape
Prajapati’s artistic journey has evolved from a focus on portraiture and the human figure toward an exploration of landscape. In these works, landscape functions as a record of observation, recollection, and lived experience rather than a direct representation of a specific location. Layers of paint, marks, and textures become tools through which memories emerge and disappear, echoing the transformation of cities and neighbourhoods over time.
The artist, born in Ahmedabad in 1986, studied at Seth C. N. College of Fine Arts and later completed a Post Diploma in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S. University, Vadodara. His practice is known for its use of layered surfaces, mixed media, and references to urban environments marked by erosion, decay, and change.
The Language of Layers and Texture
A defining aspect of Prajapati’s work is his use of accumulated layers that conceal and reveal traces of place. Guided by observation and intuition, he develops surfaces through repeated interventions, allowing textures and colours to build organically over time. These layers create images that feel familiar yet remain difficult to locate within a specific geography.
Highlights of the Exhibition
- Paintings inspired by weathered urban surfaces
- Works examining memory and transformation
- Layered compositions built through texture and mark-making
- Landscapes shaped by observation and recollection rather than direct representation
Curatorial Perspective
The exhibition is curated by Mumbai-based stylist and decorator Samir Wadekar, whose professional experience spans residential styling, retail design, exhibition design, and product design. Alongside his design practice, Wadekar has developed a sustained engagement with Indian art, craft traditions, and emerging artistic voices. His curatorial approach for A Moment’s Reprieve places emphasis on the connections between memory, urban change, and visual culture.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Title | A Moment’s Reprieve |
| Artist | Pulkit Prajapati |
| Curator | Samir Wadekar |
| Venue | 079|STORIES, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Exhibition Dates | October 2–27, 2026 |
| Viewing Hours | Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Website | https://079stories.com |
Final View
Through paintings that draw from fading urban surfaces and remembered spaces, A Moment’s Reprieve examines how memory shapes our understanding of place. The exhibition invites visitors to consider the traces left behind by changing landscapes and the ways in which personal and collective histories continue to inhabit contemporary cities. By bringing together observation, recollection, and material experimentation, the exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations around memory, urban transformation, and cultural identity in contemporary art.
