The exhibition “Paradise Promised” will open at Bikaner House, New Delhi, on 12 September 2026, marking the first public exhibition organised by The Knowledge Convergence Foundation (TKCF). Running until 16 September, the exhibition brings together works developed during the Foundation’s inaugural multidisciplinary residency in Salogra, Himachal Pradesh, alongside works by invited artists whose practices align with the exhibition’s curatorial theme.
A New Foundation Focused on Dialogue
Founded on 1 April 2026 by art advisor and collector Teesta Bhandare, TKCF was established as a platform for exchange across disciplines. The Foundation aims to encourage collaboration through residencies, workshops, publications and exhibitions that bring together artists, writers, researchers and cultural practitioners. According to the Foundation, its programmes are designed to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue across generations and fields of practice.
Bhandare is known for her engagement with contemporary South Asian art and has been associated with several cultural initiatives in India. She was part of the founding team of Art Mumbai and has contributed to discussions around contemporary art, cultural institutions and emerging technologies.
Exploring the Theme of “Paradise Promised”
The inaugural residency centred on the theme Paradise Promised, encouraging participants to reflect on ideas of aspiration, belonging, identity, ecology and social change. Hosted in Salogra, the programme brought together artists from different generations and disciplines in an environment intended to support research, discussion and creative experimentation.
A series of workshops and conversations formed part of the residency. Participants engaged with historian Sohail Hashmi, author and festival director Namita Gokhale, Anahita Batra, and singer-composer-filmmaker Madan Gopal Singh, accompanied by Pritam Ghosal. These sessions were designed to stimulate critical inquiry and encourage participants to consider contemporary realities through multiple perspectives.
Artists Featured in the Exhibition
The exhibition includes works by artists who participated in the residency as well as invited contributors whose practices resonate with the exhibition theme.
Residency Artists
- Rekha Hebbar Rao
- Veer Munshi
- Kodanda Rao Teppala
- Sheena Maria Piedade
- Digbijayee Khatua
- Dhiraj Pednekar
- Lina Vincent (Curatorial Advisor)
Additional Participating Artists
- Shailesh B R
- Akshata Mokashi
- Dhiraj Rabha
These artists work across painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, writing and multidisciplinary practices, bringing a range of perspectives to the exhibition.
Themes Across Diverse Practices
Several participating artists are recognised for engaging with questions of identity, memory, displacement and environmental change. Veer Munshi’s work has long explored themes of exile and Kashmir’s social history, while Kodanda Rao Teppala addresses environmental and societal transformation through painting and printmaking. Textile artist and writer Sheena Maria Piedade examines relationships between capitalism, ecology and community, and Dhiraj Rabha’s practice reflects experiences of displacement and resilience in Assam.
Together, the exhibition presents varied responses to the central theme, demonstrating how artists interpret notions of paradise, aspiration and belonging through different media and personal experiences.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitors can expect:
- Works developed during the Salogra residency programme
- Paintings, sculptures, textiles and multidisciplinary installations
- Responses to themes of ecology, identity and social transformation
- Contributions from artists across generations and regions of India
- Outcomes of dialogue-driven workshops and collaborative exchanges
Venue and Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Title | Paradise Promised |
| Venue | Bikaner House, New Delhi |
| Opening Date | 12 September 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 12 September – 16 September 2026 |
| Organiser | The Knowledge Convergence Foundation (TKCF) |
| Entry / Tickets | Not specified |
| Website / Registration | Not specified |
Final Thoughts
With Paradise Promised, The Knowledge Convergence Foundation introduces a new platform dedicated to interdisciplinary exchange and artistic collaboration. The exhibition not only presents the outcomes of its first residency programme but also opens a broader conversation about identity, ecology, memory and contemporary life. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and generations, the project highlights the role of cultural dialogue in shaping new perspectives and strengthening connections within society.
