Paani Ki Kahaani Brings Rajasthan’s Water Heritage to Delhi for International Water Day

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An exhibition and workshop titled Paani Ki Kahaani will open at Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi, marking International Water Day with a focus on traditional water systems and cultural knowledge from Rajasthan. The initiative brings together artists, architects, and researchers from India and France, presenting a multi-format exploration of water conservation practices.

A Collaborative Cultural Initiative

Paani Ki Kahaani is led by Creadhle, an initiative of Prof. Ritu Deshmukh of the B.V. College of Architecture (BVCOA), Navi Mumbai, in collaboration with French practitioners Celia Lebarbey and Marylène Negro of D’un Autre Oeil. The project also involves comic artists and architects Shreya Khandekar and Anuj Kale of the Leewardists.

The collaboration reflects an interdisciplinary approach combining architecture, visual storytelling, and research, with contributions from both Indian and French cultural practitioners.

Tracing Water Wisdom in Rajasthan

Developed over three years between 2021 and 2024, the initiative travelled across Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. It documents traditional water systems such as stepwells and rainwater harvesting structures, highlighting long-standing ecological practices in arid landscapes.

Through films, comics, workshops, and conversations, the project examines how communities historically adapted to water scarcity, offering insights into sustainable resource management.

Recognition and International Context

The project received the Trophée de l’Écoresponsabilité 2025 from the Fondation des Alliances Françaises. Its presentation in Delhi forms part of the France India Year of Innovation 2026, a programme celebrating collaboration between the two countries in areas of innovation, sustainability, and technology.

Exhibition Highlights and Programmes

The Delhi presentation expands the project with additional artistic and research components:

  • Photographs by artist Pierre Remonté, supported by Agence Française de Développement
  • Satellite imagery presentations by Trishna, supported by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development
  • Round table discussions with organisations including Veolia, Suez, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
  • A food research workshop led by The Kindness Meal

These elements create a dialogue between heritage practices and contemporary environmental research.

Public Engagement and Performances

The programme includes workshops, screenings, guided walkthroughs, and panel discussions from March 22 to March 25. A musical performance by the ensemble Nila Pahad will take place on March 22 at 6:30 PM, featuring narratives on water from regions including Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.

Venue and Visitor Information

Aspects Details
Event Name Paani Ki Kahaani: Workshops
Artist / Contributors Creadhle (Prof. Ritu Deshmukh), Celia Lebarbey, Marylène Negro, Shreya Khandekar, Anuj Kale, Pierre Remonté
Venue Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi – Google Map
City New Delhi
Opening Date March 22 (By Invitation Only)
Exhibition Dates March 23 – March 25
Organiser Creadhle in collaboration with Alliance Française de Delhi
Entry / Tickets Open to public (March 23–25)
Programme Context France India Year of Innovation 2026

The exhibition will be held at Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi. The opening on March 22 is by invitation only, while the exhibition will be open to the public from March 23 to March 25.

Visitors can access the exhibition without prior registration unless specified for individual events within the programme.

A Dialogue on Water and Sustainability

By bringing together artistic practices, research, and community narratives, Paani Ki Kahaani situates traditional knowledge within contemporary discussions on sustainability. The exhibition offers a platform to reflect on water as both a cultural resource and an ecological concern, encouraging dialogue on collective approaches to future water management.

Delhi Art Society’s Samanvaya Show Explores Contemporary Indian Art Dialogues

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Delhi Art Society presents Samanvaya: Line · Colour · Form – Dialogues in Contemporary Indian Art, a group exhibition curated by Jyoti A Kathpalia. The exhibition is being held at the Main Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, Gate No. India International Centre, New Delhi, from 20th to 30th March 2026. Featuring 25 senior artists, the show brings together a wide range of contemporary practices including painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

Curatorial Approach

The exhibition explores the interplay of line, colour, and form as central elements in contemporary artistic expression. Curator Jyoti A Kathpalia emphasises that the exhibition creates a dialogue between individual artistic visions and shared thematic concerns. The works, while deeply personal, collectively reflect broader emotional and spatial narratives within contemporary Indian art.

Artists and Participation

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The exhibition includes a diverse group of established artists such as Aashima Mehrotra, Anand Moy Banerji, Anju Kaushik, Neeraj Gupta, Jagdish Chander, Kalicharan Gupta, Shruti Binay, and Vandana Rakesh, among others. Their practices span decades and contribute to a wide spectrum of artistic approaches and techniques.

Participating Artists Include:

  • Aashima Mehrotra, Alka Jhamb, Anand Moy Banerji
  • Aniruddh Sagar, Anju Kaushik, Apoorva Garg
  • Avneet Chawla, Girish Urkude, Jagdish Chander
  • Kalicharan Gupta, Meena Deora, Mohan Shingane
  • Neeraj Gupta, Nivedita Pande, Prasanta Kalita
  • Prem Singh, Rachit Jain, Rakesh Kumar Gupta
  • Sanjoy Roy, Satish Sharma, Shashikala Singh
  • Shruti Binay, Shruti Chandra Gupta, Surinder K. Mishra
  • Vandana Rakesh

Key Artistic Highlights

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Several artists present distinct thematic explorations through their works:

  • Aashima Mehrotra explores abstraction through layered textures
  • Shruti Chandra Gupta presents narrative-driven compositions
  • Anju Kaushik uses colour to convey emotional depth
  • Kalicharan Gupta’s Metropolis series reflects urban expansion
  • Jagdish Chander’s work draws from abstract expressionism
  • Anand Moy Banerji explores human psyche through printmaking
  • Neeraj Gupta creates sculptural works using natural wood forms

Themes and Artistic Practices

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The exhibition brings together varied artistic languages that address memory, identity, urbanisation, and inner experience. Works such as Rakesh Kumar Gupta’s Heads series engage with abstract portraiture, while Shruti Binay’s compositions reflect absence and memory. Vandana Rakesh’s watercolours draw from tribal and primitivist traditions, merging them with contemporary sensibilities.

Organiser’s Perspective

Neeraj Gupta, President of Delhi Art Society, highlights the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promoting contemporary Indian art. He notes the importance of giving visibility to serious artistic practices, particularly in sculpture and contemporary visual language, to strengthen India’s position in the global art landscape.

Visitor Information

Aspects Details
Event Name Samanvaya: Line · Colour · Form – Dialogues in Contemporary Indian Art
Artist 25 Participating Artists (Group Exhibition)
Venue Main Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre
City New Delhi
Opening Date 20th March 2026
Exhibition Dates 20th to 30th March 2026
Organiser Delhi Art Society
Timings 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

The exhibition is open daily from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the India International Centre, a prominent cultural venue in New Delhi known for hosting art exhibitions, discussions, and cultural programmes. Entry details have not specified ticket requirements, and visitors are encouraged to check directly with the venue for access information.

Conclusion

Samanvaya: Line · Colour · Form offers a comprehensive view of contemporary Indian art through the works of experienced practitioners. By bringing together diverse artistic voices, the exhibition creates a shared space for reflection and dialogue. It contributes to ongoing conversations around artistic expression, cultural memory, and the evolving language of visual art in India.

Which Camera Smartphone Offers the Best Overall Photo Quality for Portraits, Landscapes, and Night Shots in 2026?

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Which camera smartphone offers the best overall photo quality for portraits, landscapes, and night shots in 2026?

Whether capturing portraits in morning light, landscapes on a trip, or night scenes in the city, a top camera phone should excel in any condition.

In 2026, flagship imaging is no longer about single-scene dominance but all-around strength. More and more users now prioritize “all-scene shooting performance” when choosing a phone. For instance, the OPPO Reno15 5G features the 50mp ultra wide selfie camera and the creative Popout function, showcasing unique capabilities.

Based on authoritative reviews and real-world tests, this article evaluates five popular models – OPPO Reno15 5G, iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung S26 Ultra, and Xiaomi 17 Ultra – across portraits, landscapes, and night shots to identify the best all-around camera phone of 2026.

Evaluation Dimensions Table

Evaluation Dimension Evaluation Criteria
Portrait Shooting Skin tone reproduction, edge detection accuracy, natural bokeh, creative features
Landscape Shooting Dynamic range, color reproduction, ultra-wide distortion control
Night Shooting Light intake, noise control, highlight management, shadow detail

Core Specifications Comparison

Brand Main Camera Telephoto Portrait Bokeh Night Core Advantage Price
OPPO Reno15 5G 50MP 50MP 3.5X wide selfie camera AI Portrait AI Flash Image 2.0: natural faces in complex light ₹45,999
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 48MP 48MP 4X Optical Computational Photography Clean, accurate low-light shots ₹1,34,900
Samsung S26 Ultra 200MP 50MP Telephoto (+37% light) Virtual Aperture F1.4 ultra-large aperture for maximum light intake ₹1,39,999
Xiaomi 17 Ultra 50MP 200MP 75–100mm Continuous Optical Leica Portrait LOFIC technology for enhanced dynamic range ₹1,60,000

In-Depth Analysis: Portraits, Landscapes, and Night Shots

1. Portraits

  • OPPO Reno15 5G: The 50MP 3.5X periscope lens decreases facial distortion and delivers natural bokeh. And skin tones are realistic without over-processing. The Popout feature combines multiple live shots into a layered collage using AI, making subjects “pop” for storytelling – ideal for travel and gatherings.

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  • Other Models: iPhone 17 Pro uses LiDAR for industry-leading edge accuracy, but excels more in video. Samsung S26 Ultra’s virtual aperture allows fine bokeh control, though skin tones can lean cool. Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s Leica colors are distinctive, but its 75mm starting focal length limits indoor use.

2. Landscapes

  • OPPO Reno15 5G: Daytime shots are detailed with natural colors (greens stay green, blues true, yellows textured). Highlights are well-controlled, shadows retain detail without distortion, and ultra-wide distortion is minimal – lines stay straight.

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  • Other Models: iPhone 17 Pro colors are accurate but pale. S26 Ultra’s 200MP mode captures rich detail but creates large files. Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s Leica colors are striking, but color inconsistency between the main and telephoto cameras persists.

3. Night Shots

 

  • OPPO Reno15 5G: Prioritizes exposure balance to preserve atmosphere, avoiding over-brightening. Noise is controlled naturally, retaining texture. AI Flash Image 2.0 intelligently balances face and background lighting in complex scenes (bars, night markets). Even at night, the image quality remains equally sharp.

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  • Other Models: S26 Ultra’s F1.4 aperture excels in light intake, but white balance can be warm. iPhone 17 Pro delivers clean shots but lacks telephoto night strength. Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s LOFIC boosts dynamic range, but exposure can shift when switching lenses.

Overall: OPPO Reno15 5G offers balanced all-scene portrait performance with its Popout creativity and AI Flash 2.0.

FAQs on Best Camera Smartphones

Question: Which scene best tests a phone’s camera?

Answer: Night shots. They challenge light intake, aperture, noise reduction, and highlight control. OPPO’s AI Flash 2.0 handles complex light well; S26 Ultra’s F1.4 aperture gives it an edge.

Question: For night photography, large aperture or algorithms?

Answer: Both matter. A large aperture captures more real light, avoiding distortion from excessive brightening. Algorithms refine the image. Physical light intake can’t be fully replicated by software.

Question: What scenes suit the Popout function?

Answer: Dynamic moments like travel, parties, or sports – it combines multiple shots into a layered story with AI subject separation.

Question: What are OPPO Reno15 5G’s core advantages?

Answer: Portraits:50mp 3.5x telephoto portrait camera. Landscapes: natural colors + balanced dynamic range. Night: AI Flash 2.0 + clear telephoto shots. Plus, unique Popout creativity.

Question: Which phone offers the best overall photo quality?

Answer: Depends on priorities. For a balance of portrait creativity, night performance, and value, OPPO Reno15 5G stands out with consistent all-scene quality and unique features.

Conclusion

Samsung S26 Ultra leads night photography with its F1.4 aperture; iPhone 17 Pro sets the video benchmark with LiDAR; Xiaomi 17 Ultra caters to pros with Leica colors. But OPPO Reno15 5G has excellent performance with the ultra-clear camera system, AI Flash 2.0, and Popout storytelling. For users seeking creative expression, solid all-scene performance, and great value, OPPO Reno15 5G delivers a unique experience – it doesn’t just capture moments, it makes them come alive. Choose based on your favorite scenes; if balanced creativity matters most, OPPO Reno15 5G is the top pick for 2026.

Indigenous Knowledge Is More Than Culture, It Is Ecological Knowledge

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Culture is often described as tradition, heritage, or identity. Something expressive. Something to preserve. 

But in many communities, culture is not separate from the conditions of life. It is how people come to understand the land they live on, the materials they work with, the patterns that shape their environment over time. 

This is not symbolic. It is functional. 

This knowledge is built through sustained interaction with place. Watching how soil changes after rain, how plants respond to shifting seasons, how water moves across a landscape, how animals behave when something begins to shift. Built through repetition, adjustment, and long-term attention to what changes and what holds. 

Over time, observations become patterns. Patterns become practice. 

What outsiders often call “tradition” is, from within, a living system of interpretation. It guides decisions about when to plant, when to move, when to gather, when to wait. It shapes how materials are selected, prepared, and used. It informs how resources are shared, how scarcity is managed, how continuity is maintained across generations. 

This is not static knowledge. It does not sit in the past. It is continuously updated through use. 

Culture and ecology are not separate domains. Culture is one of the primary ways ecological knowledge is carried. It holds memory, but it also holds instruction. It tells people not only who they are, but how to respond to the world around them. 

Women as Knowledge Holders 

Women-as-Knowledge-Holders

In many communities, women play a central and often under-recognized role in this. Their proximity to water systems, food preparation, material processing, health practices, and family life places them within the daily continuity of knowledge. Through repeated practice, they carry detailed understanding of timing, quality, variation, and change. 

This knowledge is not abstract. It is tactile. Sensory. Embedded in doing. 

Across Indigenous societies, whether in India or elsewhere in the world, knowledge is distributed through roles, responsibilities, and relationships. It is not centralized. It is not removed from daily life. It is maintained through participation. 

What the Climate Conversation Is Missing 

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As global conversations around sustainability and climate adaptation continue to expand, there is an increasing search for solutions that can respond to environmental uncertainty. 

In many places, it already exists. 

It has been shaped over long periods of time under conditions of variability, constraint, and change. What is often missing is not the knowledge itself. It is the recognition of how it operates. 

Humanculture is an Indigenous-led global nonprofit that documents how communities manage natural resources, sustain food systems, and carry ecological knowledge across generations. Its field-based work is presented through Indigenous Systems , a platform developed by Humanculture to bring Indigenous knowledge contributions to a broader audience, including United Nations platforms. Research and writing on the platform includes contributions from Stephanie Zabriskie , Founder and Executive Director of Humanculture. 

Through documentation, practices that have long existed within specific communities become visible in a wider context. Not as abstract models, but as grounded examples of how knowledge functions in real life. This creates a different kind of visibility one that does not extract or simplify, but allows practices to be more authentically understood and appreciated. 

When culture is framed only as heritage, something essential is overlooked. This is practical knowledge, formed through relationships, carried through practice, and sustained through continuity. While it is certainly something to preserve, Indigenous knowledge is also something that continues to operate, to adapt, and to inform decision-making right now across the globe.

Space Making : Making Space – Group Exhibition to Open at Gallery Art Motif, New Delhi

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Gallery Art Motif, New Delhi, presents Space Making: Making Space, a group exhibition curated by Mumbai-based interior architect and exhibition designer Kunal Shah. Running from 21 March to 25 April 2026, the exhibition brings together artists, architects, and designers to examine how space is conceived, constructed, and experienced across disciplines.

Curatorial Framework

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Araish-green

At the centre of the exhibition is an inquiry into the physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of space. The show considers how boundaries are formed, environments are shaped, and spatial meanings evolve over time. Through diverse practices, the exhibition positions space not merely as a setting, but as an active construct shaped by material, memory, and human interaction.

Participating Artists and Studios

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RMA-Architects-Hathigaon-Model-Plan

The exhibition includes a wide range of contributors whose practices intersect across architecture, craft, and visual art.

Participating artists/studios include:

  • RMA Architects
  • Maitreyi Desai
  • Stem Design Studio
  • Pooja Iranna
  • Araish Jaipur
  • Indrajit Khambe
  • Chiaki Maki
  • Percy Pithawala
  • Prabhavali
  • Tilak Samarawickrema
  • Shalina S Vichitra

Key Works and Installations

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Pooja-Iranna-Amalgamation

Several works in the exhibition reflect on how space accommodates different forms of life and experience.

Highlights include:

  • RMA Architects’ Hathigaon, a habitat designed for elephants and their mahouts
  • Stem Design Studio’s aluminium models exploring domestic architectural elements
  • Pooja Iranna’s sculptural and painted works examining urban geometries
  • Indrajit Khambe’s photographs documenting rural spatial practices using repurposed materials

Material, Form, and Spatial Language

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Hathigaon-Than-Elevation

Artists such as Maitreyi Desai and Percy Pithawala engage with spatial structure through grids and architectural drawings, while Chiaki Maki and Tilak Samarawickrema translate architectural ideas into textiles. Shalina Vichitra’s sculptural works explore belonging through both physical and conceptual frameworks of space.

The exhibition also includes ritual and historical elements such as vintage prabhavalis and lime-plastered chini khaanas by Araish Jaipur, which evoke sacred and intimate spatial practices.

About the Curator

 

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Kunal Shah is a Mumbai-based interior architect, curator, and exhibition designer. His practice focuses on South Asian art, craft, and design history, often creating layered narratives that connect historical traditions with contemporary perspectives. This exhibition reflects his ongoing engagement with spatial storytelling across disciplines.

Venue and Visitor Information

Aspects Details
Title Space Making : Making Space
Artist Group Exhibition
Venue Gallery Art Motif, A1-178 Safdarjung Enclave, Fourth Floor, New Delhi. Google Map
Opening Date 21 March 2026
Exhibition Dates 21 March – 25 April 2026
Organiser Gallery Art Motif

The exhibition is hosted at Gallery Art Motif, located in Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi. It will be open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM between 21 March and 25 April 2026. Visitors can experience a range of installations, artworks, and design interventions within the gallery space.

Takeaway

Space Making: Making Space presents a multidisciplinary exploration of how space is defined and experienced across contexts. By bringing together diverse practices, the exhibition encourages reflection on the relationships between environment, material, and human presence. It contributes to ongoing conversations in contemporary art and design about how spaces are imagined, constructed, and inhabited.

Shades of Grey by Divyaman Singh Explores Womanhood at Sabha Gallery, Bangalore

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Aalekh Arts & Culture Foundation is presenting “Shades of Grey,” a contemporary art exhibition by artist Divyaman Singh, from 26–28 March 2026 at Sabha Gallery, Bangalore. The exhibition brings together a series of abstract oil-on-canvas works that reflect on the emotional dimensions of womanhood.

A Contemplative Exploration of Womanhood

Presented during the month of International Women’s Day, the exhibition focuses on the layered emotional landscapes associated with women’s experiences. Rather than representing the female form directly, the artworks create atmospheric spaces using tonal greys, shifting horizons and textured compositions that evoke introspection.

Artistic Language and Visual Approach

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Divyaman Singh’s practice in this exhibition centres on abstraction, using minimal colour palettes and layered textures. The dominance of grey tones allows for subtle transitions and depth, inviting viewers to interpret emotional states through landscape-like imagery rather than figurative representation.

Opening Ceremony and Dignitaries

The exhibition will be inaugurated by Santosh Lad, with Bose Krishnamachari attending as Guest of Honour. Their presence situates the exhibition within a broader cultural and artistic dialogue in the city.

Organiser and Social Impact Initiative

Organised by Aalekh Arts & Culture Foundation, a not-for-profit working across women’s empowerment, child welfare, social equality and sustainable development, the exhibition also functions as a fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds will support vocational training programmes for women, aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Highlights of the Exhibition

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  • Series of oil-on-canvas abstract landscapes
  • Exploration of emotional and psychological dimensions of womanhood
  • Minimalist palette dominated by tonal greys
  • Fundraising initiative supporting women’s vocational training

Venue and Visitor Information

The exhibition will take place at Sabha Gallery in Bangalore from 26–28 March 2026. Visitors can attend during gallery hours. Entry details have not been specified, and interested viewers may contact the organisers for further information.

Aspects Details
Event Title Shades of Grey
Artist Divyaman Singh
Venue Sabha Blr, 262, Kamaraj Rd, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru
City Bangalore
Opening Date 26 March 2026
Exhibition Dates 26–28 March 2026
Organiser Aalekh Arts & Culture Foundation
Entry / Tickets Not specified

A Space Where Art Meets Purpose

Dr. Rennie Joyy, Founder of Aalekh Arts & Culture Foundation, notes that the exhibition aims to create a meaningful intersection between artistic expression and social engagement. By situating the exhibition during International Women’s Day month, the initiative underscores the role of art in reflecting and supporting societal change.

Takeaway

“Shades of Grey” presents a reflective approach to understanding womanhood through abstraction while aligning artistic practice with social responsibility. The exhibition offers viewers both a contemplative visual experience and an opportunity to contribute to initiatives supporting women’s empowerment.

Colonial Layers at 47A Khotachiwadi Explores Mumbai’s Shared Histories Through Art

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Exhibition Overview

A new exhibition titled Colonial Layers opens at 47A Khotachiwadi from March 21 to April 19, offering a layered exploration of Mumbai’s colonial past. Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, except Mondays, the show brings together two artists who reinterpret the historic Khotachiwadi neighbourhood through contemporary artistic practices.

Suhhested Story: A look at British Colonial Architecture in India – Part I

Reimagining a Historic Neighbourhood

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The exhibition, presented by 47A Khotachiwadi, focuses on Khotachiwadi, a Portuguese-British heritage enclave located in Girgaum. Known for its distinctive architecture and cultural diversity, the area serves as both subject and context for the artworks. The exhibition reflects on how colonial influences continue to shape present-day urban and cultural identities.

Artists and Their Perspectives

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The show features works by Jit Chowdhury and Kaushal Parikh, two artists from distinct backgrounds. Chowdhury, based in Kolkata, is known for his use of shola-pith and indigo collages, materials rooted in Bengal’s ecological landscape. Parikh, a Mumbai-based artist and former banker, combines photography with mixed media painting to capture layered narratives of urban life.

Artistic Approaches and Mediums

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Chowdhury’s works draw from natural materials such as mangrove-derived elements, creating textured compositions that reflect historical memory and everyday life. His outsider perspective offers a nuanced reading of Khotachiwadi’s residents and spaces. In contrast, Parikh’s practice focuses on visual documentation and reinterpretation, blending photographic detail with expressive painterly interventions.

Highlights of the Exhibition

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  • Shola-pith and indigo collages inspired by Bengal’s mangroves
  • Mixed-media paintings exploring colonial architecture
  • Photographic works capturing everyday life in Khotachiwadi
  • Interpretations of heritage homes and fading urban spaces

About the Venue

47A Khotachiwadi is located within a 19th-century Portuguese-style house in Girgaum. The space functions as a gallery dedicated to art, craft, and design, with a focus on research-driven and curated exhibitions. It aims to create dialogue around creative practices while highlighting intersections between traditional craft and contemporary art.

 

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Cultural Context and Themes

Set in 2026, the exhibition reflects on India’s post-colonial identity, examining how historical influences persist in everyday life. The works explore themes of memory, transformation, and cultural continuity, suggesting that colonial legacies are not static but continue to evolve within modern urban contexts.

Visitor Information

Aspects Details
Artist Colonial Layers
Artist Jit Chowdhury, Kaushal Parikh
Venue 47A Khotachiwadi
City Mumbai
Opening Date March 21
Exhibition Dates March 21 – April 19
Organiser 47A Khotachiwadi
Entry / Tickets Not specified

Takeaway

Colonial Layers at 47A Khotachiwadi brings together two distinct artistic voices to reflect on the layered histories embedded in Mumbai’s urban fabric. By engaging with heritage, memory, and contemporary expression, the exhibition offers viewers an opportunity to reconsider how the past continues to shape cultural identity. It contributes to ongoing conversations about preservation, transformation, and the role of art in interpreting history.

The Sacred Aesthetics: Indiyart by Rooftop Brings Phad and Pichwai Art to Delhi

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Exhibition Overview

Indiyart by Rooftop presents The Sacred Aesthetics, an exhibition focusing on the traditional art forms of Phad and Pichwai from Rajasthan. Scheduled from March 20 to March 23, 2026, the exhibition will take place at The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, and will be open to visitors daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The show brings together works by master artists Prakash Joshi and Mukut Joshi.

Suggested Story: Folk Art Forms of India – Defining Our Cultural Diversity

Focus on Phad and Pichwai Traditions

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Phad-Krishna-Raas-leela

The exhibition features 15 Phad paintings by Prakash Joshi and 13 Pichwai paintings by Mukut Joshi. Phad painting, traditionally executed as narrative scrolls for priest-performers, represents storytelling and collective cultural memory. In contrast, Pichwai painting is associated with devotional imagery and intricate iconography, often linked to temple traditions and personal spiritual engagement.

Artists and Their Practice

Prakash Joshi, a National Award (President’s Award) recipient (2009), belongs to the well-known Joshi lineage of Phad artists. His works are part of collections such as the National Archives in New Delhi and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Mukut Joshi, recipient of the State Award (2010), continues the Pichwai tradition while incorporating contemporary approaches. Together, the artists represent both continuity and evolution within Rajasthan’s artistic heritage.

Pichhwai-Gopashtami
Pichhwai-Gopashtami

Exhibition Highlights

Key aspects of the exhibition include:

  • 15 traditional Phad scroll paintings
  • 13 detailed Pichwai artworks
  • Representation of two distinct yet interconnected traditions
  • Exploration of ritual, narrative, and devotional practices

Context and Curatorial Approach

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Phad-Traditional-Pabu-ji

The exhibition positions Phad and Pichwai as complementary traditions—one rooted in performative storytelling and the other in devotional aesthetics. By presenting them together, The Sacred Aesthetics highlights their shared cultural significance while encouraging viewers to engage with them beyond ritual contexts, as both heritage and fine art.

Rooftop and Indiyart Initiative

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Rooftop, the organiser behind Indiyart, focuses on connecting audiences with traditional and contemporary art practices. The exhibition follows its 2024 project Viral Gaatha, which explored tribal art through digital mediums such as AI and VR. With The Sacred Aesthetics, Rooftop shifts focus to direct engagement with traditional art forms.

Event at a Glance

The exhibition is open to the public at The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi. Visitors can attend between 11 am and 7 pm from March 20 to March 23, 2026. Entry details have not been specified.

Aspects Details
Event  The Sacred Aesthetics
Artist Prakash Joshi, Mukut Joshi
Venue The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House
City New Delhi
Opening Date 20 March 2026
Exhibition Dates 20–23 March 2026
Organiser Rooftop (Indiyart)
Entry / Tickets Not specified

Takeaway

The Sacred Aesthetics offers an opportunity to experience two enduring art traditions of Rajasthan within a contemporary exhibition setting. By bringing Phad and Pichwai together, the show reflects on the continuity of cultural practices and their evolving relevance in today’s artistic landscape. It provides audiences with both historical insight and a direct encounter with living traditions.

Memory Keepers Exhibition Highlights Emerging Artists at Sunaparanta Goa Centre

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Memory Keepers Exhibition Highlights Emerging Artists at Sunaparanta Goa Centre

Following the Goa Open Arts Festival held in February, a new exhibition titled Memory Keepers is set to open at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts. The exhibition presents a second showing of works by recipients of the Goa Open Arts Catalyst and Engage Grants, continuing the festival’s engagement with contemporary artistic practices in the region.

Collaboration and Curatorial Context

The exhibition is presented by Goa Open Arts in collaboration with Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, a key cultural institution in Goa known for supporting emerging and established artists. The initiative highlights grant-supported projects that explore social, cultural, and personal narratives through interdisciplinary approaches.

Artists and Participating Practices

Memory Keepers features works by Dnyanesh Moghe, Rajaram Naik, Rini Joseph, Ritika Singh, Soham Bhende, and ThinkArts. The participating artists work across a wide range of mediums, reflecting the diversity of contemporary artistic expression in India.

 

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Exploring Memory Across Mediums

The exhibition brings together theatre, installation, photography, film, and participatory projects. These works examine how memory is constructed, preserved, and transmitted across generations and communities.

Key elements of the exhibition include:

  • A theatrical work revisiting the life of a Goan artist
  • Reinterpretations of folk theatre traditions
  • Clay-based works exploring personal histories
  • Photographic projects addressing inheritance and identity
  • Community-driven storytelling rooted in neighbourhood narratives

Themes of Inheritance and Collective Memory

At its core, Memory Keepers reflects on the role of individuals and communities in preserving memory. The works engage with ideas of cultural continuity, everyday remembrance, and the transformation of lived experiences into artistic forms.

Venue and Visitor Information

The exhibition will be held at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts in Altinho, Panjim, Goa, and will run from 20 March to 11 April 2026. Visitors can attend daily between 10:00 am and 6:30 pm. Further details about public programming and events are expected to be announced.

Aspects Details
Event Name Memory Keepers
Artists Dnyanesh Moghe, Rajaram Naik, Rini Joseph, Ritika Singh, Soham Bhende, ThinkArts
Venue Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts
City Panjim, Goa
Opening Date 20 March 2026
Exhibition Dates 20 March – 11 April 2026
Organiser Goa Open Arts in collaboration with Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts
Timings 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

Public Engagement and Future Programming

While the current announcement focuses on the exhibition, organisers have indicated that additional programming, including talks and interactive sessions, will accompany the show. These initiatives aim to deepen audience engagement with the themes of memory and artistic practice.

Takeaway

Memory Keepers offers a reflective space where artistic practices intersect with lived histories and shared experiences. By bringing together diverse voices and mediums, the exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations around memory, identity, and cultural preservation in contemporary society.

Drag Queens Reimagine Museum Experience at Indian Music Experience

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The Indian Music Experience Museum will host a series of drag-led guided walks on Sunday, 22 March 2026, offering visitors a fresh and inclusive way to engage with its galleries. The afternoon programme invites audiences to explore stories of music through the lens of identity, performance, and gender diversity.

A New Perspective on Museum Narratives

The event introduces an alternative approach to museum walkthroughs, where drag performers reinterpret exhibits through personal storytelling and performance. These guided sessions aim to shift how audiences interact with institutional narratives, especially those related to women and gender-marginalised communities in music.

Drag as Cultural Interpretation

Drag artists bring their own voice, humour, and lived experiences into the galleries, transforming traditional guided tours into immersive cultural encounters. By blending performance with historical reflection, the walkthroughs highlight overlooked stories and offer a celebratory perspective on identity and artistic expression.

Featured Artists and Languages

The programme features a diverse lineup of performers who will lead sessions in multiple languages, making the experience accessible to a wider audience.

Participating artists include:

  • Rang He Ra (Kannada)
  • Queen Shivangi (Hindi)
  • Kamani Sutra & Dark Fantasy (English)

Each session reflects the artist’s individual style while engaging with the museum’s themes.

Exploring Gender and Music Histories

The walkthroughs focus on narratives of women and gender-marginalised individuals in music, encouraging visitors to reconsider how these histories are presented. By moving through the galleries with performers, audiences encounter a layered interpretation of cultural memory and representation.

About the Venue

The Indian Music Experience Museum, an initiative of the Indian Music Experience Trust, is India’s first interactive music museum. Located in Bengaluru, it showcases the country’s diverse musical traditions through multimedia installations and curated exhibits. The museum regularly hosts performances, workshops, and educational programmes.

Event Schedule and Visitor Information

The event will take place across three sessions between 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Visitors can join guided walks in Kannada, Hindi, or English.

Aspects Details
Event Drag-Led Museum Walkthroughs at Indian Music Experience
Artist Rang He Ra, Queen Shivangi, Kamani Sutra, Dark Fantasy
Venue Indian Music Experience Museum
City Bengaluru
Opening Date 22 March 2026
Exhibition Dates 22 March 2026 (Single-day event)
Organiser Indian Music Experience Trust
Entry / Tickets Included with museum entry (details not specified)
Website / Registration https://indianmusicexperience.org

Visitors are encouraged to participate in multiple sessions to experience different interpretive styles.

Reimagining Public Engagement with Art

This programme reflects a broader shift in how cultural institutions engage audiences by incorporating diverse voices and performative storytelling. By inviting drag artists into the museum space, the event challenges conventional modes of interpretation and opens up new possibilities for inclusive cultural dialogue.

Takeaway

The drag-led walkthroughs at the Indian Music Experience Museum offer a thoughtful and engaging way to experience music history through contemporary perspectives. By centering identity and inclusivity, the event not only enriches visitor experience but also contributes to evolving conversations around representation in cultural spaces.