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

March 19, 2026

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

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.

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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

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

Cscope Staff

March 18, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Cscope Staff

March 18, 2026

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.

Focus on Phad and Pichwai Traditions

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.

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

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

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

Cscope Staff

March 17, 2026

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

Cscope Staff

March 17, 2026

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.

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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.

KNMA Presents ‘Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya’ at Kochi Biennale’s Durbar Hall

Cscope Staff

March 16, 2026

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) will present Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya on 22 March from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm at Durbar Hall, Kochi, as part of the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The event brings together storytelling, folk music, and visual art in a performative narrative inspired by Rajasthan’s traditional Kaavad storytelling practice.

Inspired by the Kaavad Storytelling Tradition

The performance draws inspiration from Kaavad Katha, a centuries-old storytelling tradition from Rajasthan. The Kaavad is a portable wooden shrine with multiple painted panels that open like doors, revealing scenes from epics, folklore, and local histories as the storyteller narrates the story.
Traditionally narrated by travelling storytellers known as Kaavadiya Bhats, the unfolding of each panel reveals a new chapter of the narrative, blending visual imagery with oral storytelling.

A Performative Journey Through the Worlds of Maya

Titled Doors of Maya, the performance invites audiences into a layered narrative world where characters and stories intersect across time and space. The storytelling unfolds as a journey through multiple universes shaped by the philosophical idea of Maya, suggesting shifting realities and perspectives.
The performative format merges narrative, music, and visual imagery to create an immersive storytelling environment.

Collaboration Between Storyteller, Musician, and Visual Artist

The performance is led by writer and storyteller Akhshay Gandhi, whose work often explores narrative traditions and performative storytelling. He is joined by folk musician Ishwar Singh, who contributes live musical elements to the storytelling, and visual artist Rohit Bhasi, whose visual interventions shape the stage environment.

Creative producer Anita Gandhi coordinates the project, bringing together artists from different disciplines to reinterpret a traditional storytelling format for contemporary audiences.

Presented Amidst the Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh Retrospective

The event takes place within the context of the ongoing retrospective of artist Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh at Durbar Hall. The exhibition presents works spanning more than six decades of the artist’s practice and is part of the current edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, launched in 2012, is India’s largest international exhibition of contemporary art and one of the major cultural events in Asia, bringing artists, curators, and audiences from across the world to Kochi.

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Highlights of the Event

Performative storytelling inspired by Rajasthan’s Kaavad tradition
Live folk music accompaniment
Visual elements integrated into the storytelling format
A narrative journey exploring the idea of Maya and layered realities

Artists and Contributors

Writer and Lead Performer: Akhshay Gandhi
Co-performer: Ishwar Singh
Visual Artist: Rohit Bhasi
Creative Producer: Anita Gandhi

Venue and Visitor Information

The event will take place at Durbar Hall in Kochi on 22 March from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm. It is presented as part of the ongoing programming around the Kochi Biennale and the exhibition of Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh’s work currently on view at the venue.

Event	Details
Name	Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya
Artist	Akhshay Gandhi, Ishwar Singh, Rohit Bhasi
Venue	Durbar Hall
City	Kochi, Kerala
Opening Date	22 March
Event Time	5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Organiser	Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA)
Festival	Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Entry	Included as part of Biennale programming
Website	https://www.knma.org

More information about the organiser can be found on the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art website and updates on the broader festival are available through the Kochi-Muziris Biennale official site.

Takeaway

By drawing on the traditional storytelling practice of Kaavad while integrating music and visual art, Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya creates a dialogue between folk narrative traditions and contemporary artistic expression. The event highlights how storytelling continues to evolve as a living cultural form, offering audiences a reflective experience within the vibrant setting of the Kochi Biennale.

Jaya Ganguly Retrospective at IFBE Mumbai to Showcase Four Decades of Artistic Journey

Cscope Staff

March 16, 2026

Exhibition Opening in Mumbai

The Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA), in collaboration with Art Magnum, presents Jaya Ganguly: A Retrospective (1982–2025), an exhibition celebrating over four decades of the artist’s practice. The exhibition opens on 2 April 2026 at 6:00 PM and will remain on view until 9 April 2026, with viewing hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The exhibition will be held at IFBE, 10–12 Calicut Street, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai.

Tracing Four Decades of Artistic Practice

The retrospective brings together works created between 1982 and 2025, offering a comprehensive overview of Ganguly’s evolving artistic language. Through paintings and drawings from different periods, the exhibition reflects the artist’s engagement with themes such as memory, emotional intensity, and the complexities of the human condition. The works demonstrate how her visual vocabulary has shifted over time while maintaining a strong emotional and expressive core.

Artist Background

Born in Kolkata, Jaya Ganguly is known for her expressive approach to the human figure and her exploration of women’s experiences in patriarchal societies. Her works often feature bold lines and emotionally charged faces that reflect resilience, vulnerability, and defiance. Over the years, Ganguly has built a body of work that addresses gender, identity, and psychological states through layered imagery and strong visual symbolism.

Curatorial Perspective

Curated by Rakhi Sarkar, Director of CIMA – Centre of International Modern Art, the exhibition situates Ganguly’s work within a broader modern and contemporary context. Sarkar’s curatorial approach highlights both continuity and transformation in the artist’s practice, allowing viewers to trace how her themes and forms have responded to personal experiences and shifting social realities.

Themes in the Artist’s Work

The exhibition emphasises the emotional and social concerns that have shaped Ganguly’s practice. Her works frequently address the struggles faced by women in restrictive social structures, presenting figures that question authority and assert their own presence.

Key themes explored in the exhibition include:

The lived experiences of women in patriarchal societies
Emotional resilience and vulnerability
Memory and personal introspection
The evolving representation of the human figure

Many of the works reveal a strong sense of pathos combined with defiance, reflecting the artist’s engagement with personal and societal conflicts.

Highlights of the Retrospective

The exhibition presents a selection of works spanning multiple phases of Ganguly’s career.

Highlights include:

Early monochromatic drawings and sketches
Large expressive canvases from later periods
Works created during the COVID-19 period reflecting isolation and introspection
Paintings exploring fragmented and distorted human forms

Together, these works offer insight into how Ganguly’s practice has developed over more than forty years.

Visitor Information

The exhibition is open to the public throughout its run in Mumbai. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a wide range of works that map the artist’s creative journey across decades.

Aspects	Details
Exhibition	Jaya Ganguly: A Retrospective (1982–2025)
Artist	Jaya Ganguly
Venue	IFBE, 10–12 Calicut Street, Ballard Estate, Fort
City	Mumbai, India
Opening Date	2 April 2026, 6:00 PM
Exhibition Dates	2 April – 9 April 2026
Viewing Hours	11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Organiser	Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA) in collaboration with Art Magnum
Entry / Tickets	Open to the public

Takeaway

Jaya Ganguly: A Retrospective (1982–2025) offers an opportunity to encounter the artistic evolution of a painter whose work engages deeply with questions of identity, resilience, and human emotion. By bringing together works spanning four decades, the exhibition provides viewers with a broader understanding of Ganguly’s practice and its relevance within contemporary Indian art discourse.

Shruti Gupta Kasana Explores Sustainable Textile Art in the Sampurn Vrindavan Series

Nagaraj

March 15, 2026

Indian multidisciplinary artist Shruti Gupta Kasana presents a body of work that merges painting, textile craft, and sustainability. Her current collection, Sampurn Vrindavan, explores the poetic and spiritual world of Lord Krishna through layered mixed-media compositions. The works bring together narrative, texture, and tradition, reflecting both cultural heritage and contemporary environmental concerns.

Background and Creative Journey

Shruti Gupta Kasana’s artistic journey is shaped by a diverse academic and professional background. She holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of Kanpur, a Master’s degree in Fashion Design from NIFT Mumbai, and an MBA from Symbiosis, Pune. This multidisciplinary education has allowed her to move fluidly between the worlds of art, design, and conceptual thinking.

Her early career began in fashion design, where artistic experimentation informed her textile collections. Over time, she returned to painting, reconnecting with what she describes as her first creative language. This transition marked a turning point in her practice, leading to a renewed focus on visual storytelling through canvas and textile-based materials.

Artistic Style, Materials and Techniques

Shruti’s work is primarily figurative, yet it resists strict categorisation. Her compositions often combine painting with textile craft, resulting in surfaces that are both tactile and visually layered.

She integrates a variety of materials into her work, including:

Acrylic paint and mixed media
Jute and textile fabrics
Embroidery and hand knitting
Tapestry techniques

These materials are arranged through a process of layering that blends structure with spontaneity. Traditional craft methods are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, allowing the works to bridge heritage techniques with modern artistic expression.

Her colour palette ranges from subtle monochromatic tones to bold and vibrant compositions. Through these shifts in colour and texture, her paintings build narrative depth and emotional resonance.

The Concept Behind Sampurn Vrindavan

The collection Sampurn Vrindavan draws inspiration from the mythology and symbolism surrounding Lord Krishna. The works evoke scenes, emotions, and spiritual associations connected to Vrindavan, the sacred landscape linked to Krishna’s life and stories.

Rather than literal illustration, the paintings present Krishna’s presence through symbolic forms, layered textures, and figurative abstraction. The approach allows viewers to engage with both mythology and contemporary visual language simultaneously.

Jute Sustainable Front Initiative

A central aspect of this series is Shruti’s experimentation with eco-conscious materials, particularly jute.

Jute, a biodegradable natural fibre, presents unique challenges for painters due to its highly absorbent texture. To address this, the artist collaborated with textile manufacturers in Dhaka to develop a special blend of jute and cotton that functions effectively as a painting surface.

This research-led effort led to the launch of her Jute Sustainable Front Initiative, where artworks are produced on environmentally responsible textile canvases.

Key aspects of the initiative include:

Use of 100% biodegradable natural fibres
Development of jute–cotton blended painting surfaces
Integration of sustainable textile practices within fine art
Exploration of ecological awareness through artistic material choices

Through this approach, Shruti attempts to create a visual language that responds to contemporary environmental concerns while remaining rooted in craft traditions.

Cultural and Contemporary Relevance

Shruti Gupta Kasana’s work reflects a broader movement within contemporary Indian art where artists revisit traditional materials and craft methods. By combining textile techniques with figurative painting, she situated her practice at the intersection of art, design, and sustainability.

The use of jute as a primary surface also speaks to larger conversations about environmentally responsible art practices. Her work suggests that material innovation can play a role in shaping the future of artistic production.

Key Characteristics of the Artist’s Work

Fusion of fine art and textile craft
Figurative compositions rooted in Indian cultural narratives
Use of mixed media and tactile surfaces
Emphasis on sustainable materials such as jute
Exploration of mythology through contemporary visual language

International Exposure and Exhibitions

Shruti Gupta Kasana’s work has been exhibited in several locations across India as well as internationally. Her paintings have been presented in exhibitions and art events in Bangladesh, London, and Dubai, where they have attracted attention for their distinctive use of texture and material.

These presentations have helped position her practice within an expanding network of artists exploring cross-disciplinary approaches between textile craft and fine art.

Exhibitions by Shruti Gupta Kasana

2025

Parallax London — London, UK
World Art Dubai — Dubai, UAE
India Art Festival — Hyderabad, India
India Art Festival — Delhi, India
Art Show & Workshop — Kutch, India

2024

Sampurn Vrindavan — Solo Exhibition, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
World Art Dubai — Dubai, UAE
India Art Festival — Mumbai & Delhi
Imagin Fest — PCOS Club, New Delhi

2023

World Art Dubai — Dubai, UAE
India Art Festival — Mumbai & Delhi
Dubai International Art Center (DISC) — Jumeirah, Dubai

2022

World Art Dubai — Dubai, UAE
India Art Festival — Mumbai

2021

Solo Exhibition — Nordic Club, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Solo Exhibition — Dhaka Gallery, Banani, Bangladesh
India Art Festival — Mumbai
SAARC Women’s Association Anniversary Exhibition — Dhaka
World Peace Conference Workshop — Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka

2018

Gallery Cosmos — Group Exhibition, Dhaka
National Gallery — Group Exhibition, Dhaka

2015

Gallery Sree — Group Exhibition, Gurugram

2013

Solo Exhibition — Nordic Club, Dhaka

2011

Solo Exhibition — Nordic Club, Dhaka

2010

Solo Exhibition — Nordic Club, Dhaka

2008

Solo Exhibition — Nordic Club, Dhaka
Gallery Sree — Group Exhibition, Gurugram

2005

Kala Bhavan — Group Exhibition, Chandigarh

2004

Aakriti Art — Group Exhibitions, Chandigarh

2002

Saffron Art — Group Exhibition, Mumbai

2001

Rhythm Art Gallery — Group Exhibition, Mumbai

‘Line As Witness’ presents works by Yusuf at Black Cube Gallery, New Delhi

Cscope Staff

March 14, 2026

An exhibition titled “Line As Witness”, presenting works by artist Yusuf, will be held from 29 March to 11 April 2026 in Sunder Nagar, New Delhi. Organised by Black Cube Gallery in collaboration with Shantanu Sharma, the show brings together a body of work spanning acrylic paintings, mixed media explorations, and sculptural forms. The exhibition will be open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, with entry free and open to all on prior appointment.

Exploring the Line as a Visual Language

For Yusuf, the line is not simply a formal element of drawing but a fundamental structure through which the world becomes visible. Over decades of artistic practice, he has returned repeatedly to this elemental mark, exploring its potential to record movement, construct form, and register gesture. In his work, the line functions as both subject and method, allowing abstraction to intersect with perception and lived experience.

Movement, Stillness, and Spatial Fields

In many of the paintings presented in “Line As Witness,” layers of lines form atmospheric fields across the surface. These visual structures oscillate between states of motion and stillness. At times, they resemble waves of energy moving through space; at others, they appear as quiet grids stabilising the composition. This interplay invites viewers to shift between dynamic and contemplative modes of seeing.

Organic Forms within Abstract Structures

Within these structured fields, Yusuf introduces organic forms that appear to hover or dissolve in the pictorial space. The shapes often suggest fragments drawn from nature evoking dunes shaped by wind, cellular structures, or fleeting memories of landscapes. Rather than depicting nature directly, the artist references processes such as growth, erosion, and the passage of time, creating a visual language that might be described as abstract realism.

Highlights of the Exhibition

The exhibition brings together several aspects of Yusuf’s long engagement with abstraction.

Key elements in the exhibition include:

Acrylic paintings built around layered linear structures
Mixed media works exploring texture and gesture
Sculptural forms extending the idea of line into three-dimensional space
Works reflecting decades of experimentation with abstraction and perception

Artist Background

Born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh in 1952, Yusuf studied painting and sculpture in the 1970s. His practice has long centred on minimal forms and the expressive potential of line, often working with ink on rice paper alongside other media.

Over the course of his career, he has held 25 solo exhibitions and participated in significant international events including the VII Triennale in New Delhi (1992) and the Bangladesh Biennale in Dhaka (1995). His work has also been exhibited in Japan and Korea.

Yusuf has received several major recognitions, including the Raza Award and the National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi. He also received the National Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, New Delhi. The artist played an important role in establishing the Graphic Workshop at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, where he continues to work and contribute to the institution’s graphic arts programme.

Philosophical Reflections on the Line

The conceptual foundation of the exhibition reflects Yusuf’s long-standing engagement with the philosophical possibilities of the line. As he notes, “When a point moves, a line is drawn.” Through this simple gesture, the artist examines the relationship between control and spontaneity, presence and absence, and the spaces that exist between marks.

Artist J. Swaminathan once observed that “There is none better than Yusuf who understands the meaning and magic of the line.” In Yusuf’s work, this seemingly modest element becomes a site of inquiry where perception, abstraction, and memory converge.

Event Details

Aspects	Details
Exhibition	Line As Witness
Artist	Yusuf
Venue	Black Cube Gallery
City	New Delhi
Opening Date	29 March 2026
Exhibition Dates	29 March – 11 April 2026
Organiser	Black Cube Gallery in collaboration with Shantanu Sharma
Entry / Tickets	Free entry (prior appointment required)

Takeaway

“Line As Witness” presents a focused exploration of Yusuf’s long engagement with the expressive and philosophical dimensions of the line. Through paintings, mixed media works, and sculptural forms, the exhibition reflects a practice that moves between discipline and intuition. By foregrounding the simplest visual element—the line—the show invites viewers to consider how minimal gestures can hold complex experiences of perception, time, and memory.

Vasant Utsav Festival Highlights Folk Arts from Punjab and Chhattisgarh at IIC Delhi

Cscope Staff

March 14, 2026

Celebration of Folk Traditions

The Vasant Utsav: A Festival of Folk Arts will be held at the India International Centre, presenting a two-day celebration of traditional music, dance and visual arts. The festival brings together artists from different regions of India to showcase contemporary narratives expressed through traditional folk forms. Alongside stage performances, the programme includes exhibitions and demonstrations that introduce visitors to a variety of regional cultural practices.

Event at a Glance

Aspects	Details
Event Name	Vasant Utsav: A Festival of Folk Arts
Festival Highlights	Basant in the Land of Five Rivers: Dance and Songs from Punjab; Rhythms of Chhattisgarh: Folk Dances of the Heartland
Performing Groups	Universal Art and Culture Welfare Society, Mohali; Artists of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh
Folk Singers	Garry Gill and Sukhbeer Pal Kaur
Venue	Fountain Lawns, India International Centre
City	New Delhi
Date	19-20 March 2026
Time	6:00 pm onwards
Organiser	India International Centre
Entry	Open to All

A Platform for Folk Arts

Vasant Utsav is designed to highlight the diversity of India’s folk traditions and the communities that sustain them. By presenting performances from multiple regions, the festival creates an opportunity for audiences in Delhi to experience different cultural expressions within a single programme. The event also reflects the India International Centre’s long-standing role in hosting cultural programmes, lectures and exhibitions related to arts and heritage.

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Basant in the Land of Five Rivers

One of the featured programmes of the festival is “Basant in the Land of Five Rivers: Dance and Songs from Punjab.” The performance will present Punjabi folk traditions through energetic dance and music.

Artists from the Universal Art and Culture Welfare Society will perform well-known Punjabi folk dances, including:

Jhumar (Punjabi folk dance)
Giddha
Bhangra

The programme will also feature folk singing by Garry Gill and Sukhbeer Pal Kaur, presenting songs rooted in Punjab’s oral storytelling and seasonal celebrations.

Rhythms of Chhattisgarh

Another highlight of the festival is “Rhythms of Chhattisgarh: Folk Dances of the Heartland.” This performance will be presented by artists from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya in Khairagarh. Established in 1956, the university is known for its specialised programmes in music, dance and visual arts.

The performance will introduce audiences to traditional dances from Chhattisgarh, including:

Gedi Dance
Karma Dance
Sarhul Dance

These dances are traditionally associated with community rituals, seasonal celebrations and cultural storytelling in central India.

Festival Highlights

In addition to the performances, Vasant Utsav will include activities that allow visitors to engage with traditional arts more closely.

Key highlights of the festival include:

Folk music and dance performances from different regions
Exhibitions showcasing traditional art forms
Demonstrations by artists and practitioners
Cultural presentations exploring regional traditions

Event Information

The performances will take place on 20 March 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Fountain Lawns of the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event is open to all visitors, making it accessible to audiences interested in experiencing Indian folk traditions in a public cultural setting.

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