Ganesha: Many Forms, One Presence Brings Diverse Artistic Interpretations to Mumbai

Gallery Pradarshak in Mumbai will present Ganesha: Many Forms, One Presence, a group exhibition of paintings exploring the enduring visual and cultural significance of Ganesha. Scheduled from 2 to 12 September 2026, the exhibition brings together works by 11 artists who interpret the widely recognised deity through distinct artistic approaches. The exhibition will be available both online and at the gallery’s physical space in Khar (West), Mumbai.

A Familiar Figure Through Diverse Artistic Lenses

Ganesha has remained one of the most enduring subjects in Indian art, appearing across traditional, modern and contemporary practices. In this exhibition, artists approach the deity from varied perspectives. Some works retain familiar iconographic elements, while others move toward abstraction, expressive line work, simplified forms and experimental use of colour. According to the exhibition note, the collection demonstrates how a shared cultural image can acquire new meanings through individual artistic sensibilities.

Participating Artists

The exhibition features works by:

Together, these artists present a broad range of visual interpretations that highlight the continuing relevance of Ganesha in contemporary artistic practice.

Beyond Iconography

At the centre of the exhibition is the idea of multiplicity. Ganesha has long been associated with beginnings, wisdom, resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. The exhibition explores how these symbolic qualities continue to resonate with artists today.

The curatorial framework suggests that the deity’s hybrid form—human and animal, monumental and intimate, playful and powerful—offers rich possibilities for artistic exploration. Rather than presenting a single representation, the exhibition encourages viewers to engage with multiple interpretations shaped by personal experiences, emotions and cultural memory.

Gallery Pradarshak’s Continuing Commitment

The exhibition also reflects the long-standing mission of Gallery Pradarshak, a Mumbai-based gallery founded in 1994 by Savitha and Lalit Hira. Over three decades, the gallery has built a reputation for supporting emerging artists and presenting accessible contemporary art. It is often described as one of India’s smallest fine art galleries, yet it has hosted hundreds of exhibitions and artist-focused initiatives.

Located in Khar (West), the gallery has consistently created opportunities for young and established artists while fostering dialogue between traditional themes and contemporary visual languages.

Exhibition Highlights

Key aspects of the exhibition include:

• Eleven participating artists
• Diverse approaches ranging from detailed iconography to abstraction
• Exploration of colour, gesture, pattern and line
• Contemporary interpretations of a culturally familiar figure
• Online and physical viewing options

These varied approaches underline the breadth of artistic possibilities that emerge from a single subject deeply rooted in Indian cultural consciousness.

Visitor Information

Takeaway

By bringing together multiple artistic voices around a single cultural symbol, Ganesha: Many Forms, One Presencehighlights the continuing relevance of traditional imagery within contemporary art. The exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to encounter familiar forms through fresh perspectives while reflecting on the evolving relationship between cultural heritage and artistic expression. Through its varied interpretations, the exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations about identity, memory and the role of art in connecting past and present.