AstaGuru Brings ShowKeen to Hyderabad with Modern Art, Jewellery and Luxury Watches

0

AstaGuru Brings ShowKeen to Hyderabad-01

AstaGuru Auction House is set to bring its travelling exhibition platform ShowKeen to Hyderabad for the first time on 17 and 18 October 2026. Following earlier editions in Mumbai and New Delhi, the two-day event at HITEX Exhibition Centre will present a curated selection of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art alongside fine jewellery, heirloom pieces and luxury timepieces. The exhibition aims to introduce collectors, art enthusiasts and cultural audiences in Hyderabad to a diverse range of artistic and collectible works.

A Multi-City Platform Expands

Launched as a multi-city initiative, ShowKeen was conceived to take art and luxury collectibles beyond traditional art hubs and connect with audiences across India. Hyderabad becomes the latest city to host the platform, reflecting AstaGuru’s growing focus on expanding engagement with collectors and cultural communities in emerging markets. Previous editions have been held in Mumbai and Delhi, where the platform showcased works by leading modern and contemporary artists.

Modern and Contemporary Art on View

The Hyderabad edition will feature works by several prominent figures in Indian art. Among the artists represented are M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, S.H. Raza, Himmat Shah, K.H. Ara, C.D. Mistry, Gurcharan Singh and Hyderabad-born artist T. Vaikuntam. Contemporary practitioners including Suryakant Lokhande, Tom Vattakuzhy, Jagannath Mohapatra and Chintan Zalavadia will also be part of the exhibition.

The presentation reflects a dialogue between generations of artists, bringing together works that span different artistic approaches, themes and visual languages. According to organisers, the exhibition is intended as a space for discovery, conversation and engagement with India’s artistic heritage.

Highlights of the Exhibition

AstaGuru Brings ShowKeen to Hyderabad-02

  • Works by leading Modern Indian masters including M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza and S.H. Raza.
  • Contemporary art by artists such as Tom Vattakuzhy, Jagannath Mohapatra and Suryakant Lokhande.
  • Fine and heirloom jewellery featuring notable gemstones and craftsmanship.
  • Luxury timepieces representing established watchmaking traditions.
  • Special presentation by Tyche based on M.F. Husain’s iconic horse motif.

Tyche Brings Husain’s Horses into Sculpture

One of the notable features of the exhibition will be the presence of Tyche, AstaGuru’s luxury brand that develops licensed editions inspired by Indian artistic heritage. At ShowKeen Hyderabad, Tyche will present sculptural interpretations of M.F. Husain’s celebrated horse imagery. Crafted as limited-edition patinated bronze sculptures, the works translate one of the artist’s most recognised motifs into three-dimensional form while maintaining a connection to his artistic legacy.

Jewellery and Timepieces Join the Showcase

Beyond art, the exhibition will feature a curated selection of jewellery and luxury watches. Organisers say the jewellery section will include pieces known for gemstone quality, craftsmanship and design, while the timepiece presentation will highlight watches valued for precision, heritage and collectability. The combination of these categories is intended to create a broader conversation around craftsmanship, design and cultural value.

AstaGuru’s Growing Cultural Footprint

Founded in 2008, AstaGuru Auction House has established itself as one of India’s leading auction platforms for art, antiques, jewellery and collectibles. The company has increasingly expanded its activities beyond auctions through exhibitions, collector engagement initiatives and educational programmes focused on Indian art and cultural heritage.

As part of the Hyderabad edition, visitors can also expect a programme of guided walkthroughs, discussions, private gatherings and networking opportunities designed to bring together artists, collectors, architects, designers and cultural practitioners.

Visitor Information

Event Name Details
Title ShowKeen Hyderabad 2026
Organiser AstaGuru Auction House
Artists M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, T. Vaikuntam, Himmat Shah and others
Venue HITEX Exhibition Centre
City Hyderabad
Opening Date 17 October 2026
Exhibition Dates 17–18 October 2026
Website www.showkeen.in

Takeaway

With its Hyderabad debut, ShowKeen expands its presence into a city known for its rich cultural history and appreciation of craftsmanship. By bringing together art, jewellery and luxury timepieces within a single platform, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage with diverse forms of creativity while fostering dialogue around heritage, collecting and contemporary cultural practices.

José Zendejas Foyo Brings ‘Amores’ to Mumbai in First India Solo Exhibition at AMCA Gallery

0

José Zendejas Foyo Brings ‘Amores’ to Mumbai in First India Solo Exhibition at AMCA Gallery-01

Mumbai will host the first India solo exhibition of Mexican artist José Zendejas Foyo this October as Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art (AMCA), in association with the Consulate General of Mexico in Mumbai, presents Amores (Loves). Opening on 8 October 2026 and continuing until 18 November 2026, the exhibition brings together a series of abstract paintings that explore the many emotional dimensions of love through colour, gesture and texture.

Exploring Love Through Abstraction

Amores examines the varied forms that love can take, from tenderness and desire to loss, obsession and impermanence. Rather than depicting figures or narratives, Zendejas Foyo uses abstraction as a way of translating emotional states into visual language.

Each work begins with a title such as Amor (Love), Amor Tóxico (Toxic Love), Amor Fugaz (Fleeting Love) or Amores Perdidos (Lost Loves), before moving beyond literal representation. According to the artist, the paintings emerge from internal emotional energies that are transformed into colour compositions and gestural forms.

Born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in 1987, José Zendejas Foyo studied Architecture at the Universidad del Valle de México before pursuing painting more seriously. In 2025 he moved to Rome to undertake a Master’s degree in Painting at the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). His practice is rooted in lyrical abstraction and explores the transformation of emotions, memories and personal experiences into visual form.

Colour as Emotional Language

Jose Zendejas Foyo, Amor 1 (Love 1), Mix media on canvas, 100 x 80 cm, 2025

A defining feature of the exhibition is the artist’s use of colour as an emotional rather than symbolic tool. Zendejas Foyo describes his approach as creating “chromatic feelings,” where colour combinations embody distinct emotional experiences.

In Amor Tóxico, dark greys and blacks descend across the canvas while a striking electric blue interrupts the composition, creating a sense of attraction and instability. Other works employ vivid pinks, reds and yellows that shift between intimacy and emotional intensity.

The exhibition presents colour not simply as a visual element but as a means of communicating states of feeling that are often difficult to express through words.

AMCA’s Emerging Artists Initiative

Jose Zendejas Foyo, Amor 2 (Love 2), Mix media on canvas, 100 x 80 cm, 2025

The exhibition arrives in Mumbai through AMCA’s annual Emerging Artists program, which seeks to introduce new artistic voices to local audiences. Established in 2008, the gallery began as THE LOFT at Lower Parel and has since developed a programme focused on artist residencies, studio exhibitions and the presentation of emerging and mid-career practitioners from India and abroad.

Today, AMCA operates from its Colaba gallery and continues to support artists with distinctive visual languages while fostering international cultural exchange.

A Cultural Exchange Between Mexico and India

The exhibition is also supported by the Consulate General of Mexico in Mumbai, highlighting contemporary artistic connections between Mexico and India.

Consul General Adolfo García Estrada notes that colour has long played an important role within Mexico’s artistic traditions. Through Amores, visitors will have an opportunity to engage with the work of a contemporary Mexican artist while gaining insight into the diversity of current artistic practices emerging from Mexico.

The project reflects a growing interest among cultural institutions and galleries in fostering international dialogue through contemporary art.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Jose Zendejas Foyo, Amor Perdidos (Lost Loves), Mix media on canvas, 197 x 130 cm, 2025

  • First solo exhibition in India by Mexican artist José Zendejas Foyo
  • Presented by AMCA in association with the Consulate General of Mexico in Mumbai
  • Features abstract paintings exploring multiple forms of love
  • Part of AMCA’s annual Emerging Artists program
  • Exhibition runs from 8 October to 18 November 2026

Artist Background

Zendejas Foyo’s artistic journey began during his teenage years. Although trained as an architect, he gradually shifted his focus toward painting and abstraction.

His work has previously been exhibited at:

  • Contemporary Museum of Art SLP, Mexico
  • Caja Real Museum-UASLP
  • Leonora Carrington Museum-SLP
  • Francisco Cossío Museum
  • Group exhibitions in Rome, Vienna and Barcelona

His current practice combines intuitive mark-making with an interest in how emotions and personal experiences are translated into abstract visual forms.

Visitor Information

Event Details
Title Amores
Artist José Zendejas Foyo
Venue Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art (AMCA), Ground Floor, Royal Terrace, 58 Wodehouse Road, Colaba
City Mumbai, India
Opening Date 8 October 2026, 6 pm – 9 pm
Exhibition Dates 8 October 2026 – 18 November 2026
Organiser Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art in association with the Consulate General of Mexico in Mumbai
Website https://www.anupamehtacontemporaryart.com/

Conclusion

With Amores, José Zendejas Foyo introduces Indian audiences to an abstract practice centred on emotional experience and colour. The exhibition brings together personal reflection and universal themes, inviting viewers to consider the many forms that love can take. As part of AMCA’s ongoing commitment to international artistic exchange, the exhibition offers an opportunity for cultural dialogue while expanding Mumbai’s engagement with contemporary global art practices.

In her Native Tongue Showcases Contemporary Indigenous Voices at Palette Art Gallery Delhi

0

In her Native Tongue Showcases Contemporary Indigenous Voices at Palette Art Gallery Delhi-01A

A new exhibition at Palette Art Gallery will bring together the works of six Indigenous women artists whose practices are rooted in memory, mythology, nature and community traditions. Titled In her Native Tongue, the exhibition will run from 22 October to 21 November 2026 at the gallery’s Golf Links space in New Delhi. Featuring Rita Shyam, Jyoti Uikey, Roshini Shyam, Anita Vyam, Japani Shyam and Santoshi Shyam, the exhibition examines how inherited visual traditions continue to evolve through contemporary artistic expression.

Indigenous Traditions in Contemporary Practice

The exhibition focuses on artists associated with the Gond artistic tradition and related Indigenous visual languages. According to the curatorial text written by critic-curator Georgina Maddox, the participating artists draw from a shared cultural heritage while developing distinct artistic vocabularies of their own. Rather than presenting tradition as static, the exhibition explores how Indigenous knowledge systems continue to adapt and respond to contemporary realities.

Distinct Artistic Approaches

In her Native Tongue Showcases Contemporary Indigenous Voices at Palette Art Gallery Delhi-01C

Each artist brings a different perspective to the exhibition. Anita Vyam is known for compositions built around strong lines and interconnected forms, often featuring animals such as goats and deer. Roshini Shyam works with richly coloured compositions in which trees and organic forms occupy the entire pictorial space. Santoshi Shyam combines observational detail with Gond-inspired imagery, particularly in her depictions of birds, plants and vegetation.

Jyoti Uikey’s paintings frequently feature stylised birds rendered in vivid colours and rhythmic patterns. The artist, who comes from Patangarh in Madhya Pradesh, often draws on Gond folklore and the relationship between humans, animals and nature.

Highlights of the Exhibition

  • Works inspired by mythology, folklore and community memory
  • Contemporary interpretations of Gond visual traditions
  • Paintings featuring birds, trees, animals and ecological themes
  • Diverse approaches ranging from detailed patterning to abstraction
  • Perspectives shaped by Indigenous women artists from central India

Women Artists and Cultural Continuity

In her Native Tongue Showcases Contemporary Indigenous Voices at Palette Art Gallery Delhi-01B

A key aspect of In her Native Tongue is its focus on women artists and the transmission of artistic knowledge across generations. The exhibition text notes that many of the artists learned by observing family members, particularly mothers and elders, before developing their own practices. Their works reflect both continuity and innovation, combining traditional motifs with contemporary visual approaches.

Historically, many Indigenous painting traditions in central India were sustained within domestic and community spaces. The exhibition highlights how women artists have increasingly gained visibility within contemporary art platforms while continuing to engage with local cultural narratives.

About the Gallery and Curatorial Context

Founded in 2001 by fashion designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Palette Art Gallery has established itself as a platform for contemporary Indian art, supporting both emerging and established artists. Located in New Delhi’s Golf Links area, the gallery has hosted a range of exhibitions that engage with evolving artistic practices in India.

The exhibition text has been written by critic and curator Georgina Maddox, whose work over two decades has focused on Indian art, culture and curatorial practice.

Visitor Information

Event Details
Title In her Native Tongue
Artists Rita Shyam, Jyoti Uikey, Roshini Shyam, Anita Vyam, Japani Shyam, Santoshi Shyam
Venue Palette Art Gallery, 14 Golf Links, New Delhi, India
Exhibition Dates 22 October – 21 November 2026
Organiser Palette Art Gallery
Website https://www.paletteartgallery.com

Takeaway

By bringing together six Indigenous women artists, In her Native Tongue offers an opportunity to examine how traditional knowledge continues to inform contemporary artistic practice. The exhibition highlights individual voices while underscoring shared cultural histories rooted in the Gond region. Through themes of nature, memory and storytelling, the exhibition contributes to broader conversations around Indigenous representation and the evolving role of women artists in India’s contemporary art landscape.

Aura Planet Showcases Nine Contemporary Artists at India Art Festival Mumbai 2026

0

Aura Planet Showcases Nine Contemporary Artists at India Art Festival Mumbai 2026-1A

Aura Planet will participate in the India Art Festival – Mumbai Edition 2026, presenting a curated selection of contemporary visual art at Booth No. 31 at the Nehru Centre, Worli. The showcase will run from 9–11 October 2026 and feature original paintings and sculptures by nine artists from different parts of India. The exhibition is curated by Erum Khan and forms part of one of the country’s established platforms for contemporary art.

Aura Planet’s Long Association with the Festival

Aura Planet, an art and cultural platform with nearly 22 years of experience in the art sector, has been associated with the India Art Festival for approximately seven to eight years. During this period, the organisation has participated in editions held in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, supporting artists through exhibitions and public engagement initiatives.

The platform’s continued participation reflects its ongoing focus on presenting contemporary artistic practices and creating opportunities for artists to connect with wider audiences.

Participating Artists

The 2026 Mumbai presentation will feature works by:

  • Jaydeb Dolui
  • Pallavi Singh
  • Ruchika Sharma
  • Susmita Guha Roy
  • Erum Khan
  • Suraj Shukla
  • Isha Dey
  • Swaranjeet Kaur
  • Harsh Aryan

The participating artists represent diverse visual approaches and contemporary themes. Their works explore individual perspectives through different styles, techniques and subject matter.

Paintings and Sculptures on Display

Aura Planet Showcases Nine Contemporary Artists at India Art Festival Mumbai 2026-2

Visitors can expect a collection of original handmade artworks, including paintings and sculptures created using a range of media.

Highlights of the showcase include:

  • Acrylic paintings
  • Watercolour works
  • Oil paintings
  • Contemporary sculptures
  • Original handmade artworks
  • Diverse thematic explorations

The exhibition aims to present a broad view of contemporary Indian visual expression through both two-dimensional and sculptural formats.

About India Art Festival

Aura Planet Showcases Nine Contemporary Artists at India Art Festival Mumbai 2026-3

The India Art Festival is among India’s major contemporary art fair networks and hosts editions in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Founded in 2011, the festival provides a platform for independent artists, galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts to engage with contemporary art practices. The festival has developed a reputation for supporting emerging artists alongside established names and for encouraging wider public access to art.

The Mumbai edition will take place at the Nehru Centre, a venue that regularly hosts cultural and artistic events in the city and has become a familiar location for major art fairs and exhibitions.

Visitor Information

Event Name Details
Title India Art Festival – Mumbai Edition 2026
Venue Nehru Centre, Booth No. 31
City Mumbai
Opening Date 9 October 2026
Exhibition Dates 9–11 October 2026
Organiser Aura Planet
Curator Erum Khan
Entry / Tickets Information not specified; Free Parking Available
Website https://indiaartfestival.com/

Media representatives have been invited to attend the inauguration and interact with participating artists and the curator. Opportunities for interviews, photography and video coverage will be available throughout the event.

Contemporary Art and Public Engagement

Through its participation in the festival, Aura Planet seeks to bring together artists working across different media and artistic perspectives. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage directly with original contemporary artworks and gain insight into current trends in Indian visual art.

As art fairs continue to serve as meeting points for artists, collectors and the public, the showcase at India Art Festival Mumbai 2026 contributes to ongoing conversations around contemporary creativity, artistic diversity and cultural exchange. By presenting works from multiple practitioners under one platform, the exhibition highlights the role of visual art in reflecting social experiences, individual narratives and evolving cultural identities.

Douglas John Explores Faith and Identity in ‘The Eternal Within’ at Jehangir Art Gallery

0

Douglas John_Artwork-3

Mumbai’s art calendar this season welcomes The Eternal Within, a solo exhibition by Mumbai-based artist Dr Douglas John, presented by Burgundy Art Gallery. Opening on September 30 and continuing until October 5, 2026, at Jehangir Art Gallery’s Auditorium Hall, the exhibition features a new body of work inspired by Solapur’s centuries-old Gadda Yatra festival.

A Festival as Artistic Inspiration

The exhibition draws from the visual culture and collective memory of the Gadda Yatra, a pilgrimage associated with Shri Siddharameshvara, the patron saint of Solapur. Held annually around Makar Sankranti, the event has brought together devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for more than six centuries. Distinctive elements of the festival, including white garments worn by pilgrims and red tilaks, become recurring visual motifs in John’s paintings.

Rather than documenting the pilgrimage directly, the artist uses these references as points of departure for broader reflections on faith, human connection and personal transformation.

The Search for a Shared Human Experience

Douglas John_Artwork 1A

According to John, the figures in the exhibition are intentionally free from defined religious or caste identities. The artist describes them as universal human presences moving through fields of darkness, colour and light, where illuminated pathways suggest an inward journey rather than a physical destination.

Many of the works depict anonymous faces and bodies that appear both as part of a procession and as solitary individuals. This tension between community and individuality forms a central theme throughout the exhibition, inviting viewers to consider what connects people across different backgrounds and experiences.

Continuing a Long Engagement with Light

Douglas John_Artwork 5

 

John’s interest in themes of pilgrimage and illumination has appeared in earlier projects including Light ‘n’ Light, In Search of Light and Inner Divinity. His paintings often explore the symbolic role of light as a spiritual and emotional force, drawing from memories of Solapur and experiences of urban life in Mumbai.

Born in Solapur and now based in Mumbai, the artist studied at the historic Sir J. J. School of Art, where he completed his formal art education before joining the institution as a faculty member. His practice spans painting, sculpture and video, and he has exhibited widely in India.

Burgundy Art Gallery’s Presentation

The exhibition is presented by Burgundy Art Gallery, founded by Sapna Kar, which has been involved in exhibitions and collaborative art projects across Mumbai’s contemporary art scene. Recent initiatives have included curatorial partnerships and exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists.

Speaking about the exhibition, Kar describes the works as reflections on dialogue, stillness and the symbolic presence of light. She notes that the exhibition engages with ideas of “Indianness” while exploring light as both a physical phenomenon and a social and spiritual force.

Highlights of the Exhibition

Douglas John_Artwork 4

  • New paintings inspired by Solapur’s Gadda Yatra festival
  • Recurring imagery of pilgrims dressed in white
  • Explorations of identity beyond religious and social labels
  • Themes of light, spirituality and collective memory
  • Works examining the relationship between community and individuality

Venue and Visitor Information

The Eternal Within will be held at Jehangir Art Gallery (Auditorium Hall), one of Mumbai’s best-known exhibition venues located in the Kala Ghoda arts district. The exhibition opens on September 30 and remains on view through October 5, 2026.

Event Details

Event Details
Title The Eternal Within
Artist Dr Douglas John
Venue Jehangir Art Gallery (Auditorium Hall), Mumbai
Opening Date 30 September 2026
Exhibition Dates 30 September – 5 October 2026
Organiser Burgundy Art Gallery

Takeaway

Through The Eternal Within, Douglas John transforms a long-standing cultural tradition into a contemporary reflection on faith, identity and human connection. By drawing on the visual language of the Gadda Yatra while moving beyond specific religious narratives, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to consider shared experiences that transcend social boundaries. In doing so, it contributes to ongoing conversations about cultural memory, spirituality and the role of art in fostering understanding within diverse communities.

What Was Here? Ashima Dhir Sehgal’s Solo Exhibition Examines Memory Through Matter and Space

0

Ashima Dhir Sehgal 01

Contemporary artist Ashima Dhir Sehgal, who works under the name A.D.S., will present What Was Here?, her first solo exhibition in India, at LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, from 7 to 11 October 2026. The exhibition brings together textile, photography, sculpture and installation to explore a central question: can matter retain memory after human presence has disappeared?

Exploring the Memory of Matter

At the core of the exhibition is an investigation into what remains after people leave a place. Through a series of interconnected works, Sehgal examines whether architecture, objects and materials can preserve traces of lived experience. Rather than documenting historic structures directly, the artist invites viewers to reconsider familiar architectural spaces and imagine the lives that once unfolded within them.

The exhibition develops as a visual journey. Architectural imagery gradually becomes fragmented and layered, while material interventions increasingly take precedence. Images dissolve into texture, thread and surface, creating a shift from representation toward physical experience.

From Architecture to Installation

ADS 26

The works are created through processes including stitching, staining, burning, perforating, abrading and unravelling. Materials such as silk organza, discarded thread, cocoons, charcoal, ash and ink become integral to the artistic language, functioning not simply as mediums but as records of transformation and time.

The exhibition culminates in a large-scale house installation assembled from fragments, textiles, light and traces accumulated throughout the exhibition. Rather than reconstructing a specific building, the installation creates an environment where viewers can physically enter a space shaped by memory and absence.

Exhibition Highlights

  • Textile-based works incorporating stitching and layered surfaces
  • Photography that examines architectural memory
  • Sculptural works extending beyond the picture plane
  • A site-responsive house installation
  • Explorations of material transformation through ash, thread and organic remnants

An Unconventional Artistic Journey

ADS 30

Sehgal’s path into contemporary art has been notably unconventional. She began her professional life as a lawyer before stepping away from legal practice to focus on motherhood. Later, she returned to law and eventually transitioned toward a multidisciplinary artistic practice without formal art school training. Her work has evolved from examining human silence and inner experience to investigating memory, materiality and architecture.

Artist residencies in Himachal Pradesh and Vietnam further shaped this shift, encouraging deeper engagement with place, material and the traces left by lived experience. These interests now form the foundation of her current enquiry into whether matter itself can hold memory.

International Recognition

In recent years, Sehgal’s work has been included in more than 40 exhibitions and art platforms across India and internationally. Her exhibitions have included presentations at ARTMUC Munich, Arte Genova, the Sanremo Biennale and MAD New York. She also represented India at ARMA Museum in Bali during commemorations marking 75 years of India–Indonesia diplomatic relations. Recent milestones include selection for the 21st Arte Laguna Prize 2026 and participation in the Florence Biennale 2027 Fibre Art category.

Curatorial and Institutional Support

ADS 32

What Was Here? has been developed through conversations with Lekha Poddar, founder of the Devi Art Foundation, and with curatorial guidance from Pooja Sood, Director of Khoj International Artists’ Association, a Delhi-based organisation known for supporting experimental and interdisciplinary contemporary art practices in South Asia.

The exhibition will be staged at LTC Gallery within Bikaner House, a venue that regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions and cultural programmes in New Delhi.

Visitor Information

Event Details
Title What Was Here?
Artist Ashima Dhir Sehgal (A.D.S.)
Venue LTC Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, India
Opening Date 7 October 2026
Exhibition Dates 7–11 October 2026
Organiser LTC Gallery with curatorial guidance from Pooja Sood and support from Khoj International Artists’ Association
Entry / Tickets Not specified
Website https://khojstudios.org/

Takeaway

With What Was Here?, Ashima Dhir Sehgal presents an exploration of memory that moves beyond representation into material experience. By bringing together architecture, textile practices, photography and installation, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider how places and objects accumulate traces of human presence over time. The project contributes to ongoing conversations in contemporary art about memory, materiality and the ways in which cultural histories are preserved, transformed and reimagined.

A Bird Call – Rajasthan: Rupa Samaria Brings Rajasthan’s Birdlife to Bikaner House

0

Rupa Samaria Brings Rajasthan Birdlife to Bikaner House-01

Artist, educator and conservationist Rupa Samaria will present her solo exhibition “A Bird Call – Rajasthan” at The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi, from 8 to 12 October 2026. Featuring more than 60 canvases depicting resident, migratory, rare and threatened birds of Rajasthan, the exhibition examines the relationship between art, ecology and conservation while drawing attention to the changing habitats of bird species across India.

A Visual Exploration of Rajasthan’s Avian World

The exhibition focuses on Rajasthan’s diverse birdlife, ranging from species that inhabit the state year-round to migratory visitors that travel vast distances across continents. Through paintings, charcoal works and mixed-media compositions, Samaria documents birds that inhabit deserts, wetlands and grasslands, creating what she describes as both a celebration of biodiversity and a reminder of environmental fragility.

The exhibition title reflects the artist’s intention to encourage viewers to observe and engage with the natural world more closely. Many of the works are based on detailed observation and research into bird behaviour, habitats and conservation concerns.

The Great Indian Bustard at the Centre

ashy crowned sparrowlark
Ashy Crowned Sparrow Lark

One of the central themes of the exhibition is the Great Indian Bustard, also known as the Godawan, Rajasthan’s State Bird and one of India’s most critically endangered species. In a series of large-scale works, the bird is depicted against fluorescent backgrounds inspired by the bright colours traditionally worn in Rajasthan.

According to the artist, these vivid colours function as visual warning signals, highlighting the urgency of protecting species whose populations continue to decline. The contrast between the bird and its surroundings reflects broader concerns about visibility, disappearance and environmental loss.

Species Featured in the Exhibition

Brahminy Duck
Brahminy Duck

The exhibition brings together a wide range of birds associated with Rajasthan’s ecosystems.

Highlights include:

  • Great Indian Bustard (Godawan)
  • Egyptian Vulture
  • Imperial Eagle
  • Greater Flamingo
  • Asian Houbara
  • Sykes’s Nightjar
  • Common Hoopoe
  • Indian Paradise Flycatcher
  • Asian Green Bee-eater
  • Indian Eagle Owl

The migratory section also references the Siberian Crane, a species that was last recorded in India in 2001–2002, serving as a reminder of the long-term ecological changes affecting migratory routes.

An Artist Focused on Conservation

Common Hoopoe
Common Hoopoe

Born in Patna and now based in New Delhi, Rupa Samaria has developed a practice centred on ornithological art and environmental awareness. Over the years, she has painted more than 600 bird species from India and other parts of the world, creating a substantial visual archive of avian life. Her work spans painting, sculpture and installation, often combining artistic expression with educational and conservation-oriented themes. Previous exhibitions in her ongoing A Bird Call series have explored birdlife in different regions of India, including the Northeast.

Samaria’s interest in birds and conservation has been documented through several exhibitions and projects that examine the challenges facing bird populations due to habitat loss and environmental change.

Exhibition Details and Future Plans

Event Details
Title A Bird Call — Rajasthan
Artist Rupa Samaria
Venue The Main Art Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi
Exhibition Dates 8–12 October 2026
Timings 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Organiser Bikaner House Management Society (Venue Host)
Future Venue Bihar Museum, February 2027
Website https://bikanerhouse.rajasthan.gov.in/

Following its Delhi presentation, the exhibition is scheduled to travel to Bihar Museum in February 2027.

Final Thoughts

A Bird Call — Rajasthan brings together art, observation and environmental awareness through depictions of Rajasthan’s diverse birdlife. By focusing on species that are common, migratory, rare and threatened, the exhibition highlights the ecological significance of birds while encouraging audiences to reflect on conservation and habitat protection. In doing so, it positions art as a medium for dialogue about biodiversity and the shared responsibility of preserving natural heritage for future generations.

079|STORIES Presents ‘A Moment’s Reprieve’, a Solo Exhibition by Pulkit Prajapati

0

Solo Exhibition by Pulkit Prajapati-01A

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

Pulkit Prajapati_Untitled 1.1

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

Pulkit Prajapati_Untitled 1.3

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

Pulkit Prajapati_Untitled 1.4

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.

Light, Colour & Life: Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists to Open at Gallery Pradarshak

0

Light, Colour & Life- Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists Opens at Gallery Pradarshak-01

Gallery Pradarshak will present Light, Colour & Life, a group exhibition featuring 18 artists from six cities, from 8 to 31 October 2026. The exhibition will be accessible online through Gallery Pradarshak and will also include a physical showcase of selected works at Gallery Pradarshak in Khar West, Mumbai. Open from 11 am to 7 pm (except Sundays), the exhibition explores how art can reveal meaning in everyday experiences through colour, light and visual storytelling.

Exploring the Everyday Through Art

Light, Colour & Life- Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists Opens at Gallery Pradarshak-01A

According to the organisers, the exhibition centres on the idea that art often emerges from ordinary moments and familiar surroundings. Rather than focusing on a single theme or style, Light, Colour & Life presents multiple artistic perspectives that engage with people, places, memory, imagination and nature.

The exhibition invites visitors to discover personal connections with artworks, whether through recollection, observation or emotional response. Cityscapes, figurative works, landscapes and abstract compositions appear side by side, creating a varied visual experience.

A Cross-Generational Gathering of Artists

Light, Colour & Life- Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists Opens at Gallery Pradarshak-01B

The exhibition brings together established practitioners and emerging artists, encouraging dialogue across generations and artistic approaches.

Participating artists include:

Anand Panchal Chaitan Bhosale
H. R. Das Karishma Wadhwa
Nilesh Nikam Omprakash Ghodkhande
Pratik Risbud Sachin Jaltare
Satish Mane Siddhesh Rane
Shivkumar Soni Shrikant Kadam
Sukanta Das Suresh Gulage
Umakant Kanade Vishal Sable
Wilson Souza Zakir Husain

Their works collectively explore diverse interpretations of everyday life through distinct visual languages.

About Gallery Pradarshak

Light, Colour & Life- Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists Opens at Gallery Pradarshak-01C

Founded in 1994, Gallery Pradarshak has been active in promoting emerging and established artists for more than three decades. Based in Khar West, Mumbai, the gallery has developed a reputation for supporting accessible and affordable original art while providing a platform for young practitioners. The gallery also maintains an online presence that extends its exhibitions to a wider audience.

Located at Kalpana Building on 12th Road, Khar West, the gallery has hosted numerous solo and group exhibitions over the years and continues to support artist-led initiatives and public engagement programmes.

Exhibition Highlights

Visitors can expect a wide range of visual approaches and subject matter.

Highlights include:

  • Contemporary cityscapes and urban observations
  • Figurative paintings exploring human experiences
  • Landscapes inspired by nature and memory
  • Abstract works focused on colour and form
  • Interpretations of everyday life and familiar surroundings
  • Works by both established and emerging artists

The exhibition’s emphasis on accessibility encourages viewers with varying levels of familiarity with art to engage with the works on display.

Public Programmes and Artist Interactions

Light, Colour & Life- Group Exhibition Featuring 18 Artists Opens at Gallery Pradarshak-01D

Alongside the exhibition, Gallery Pradarshak has scheduled a series of public events under its Open Canvas initiative.

Programme Schedule

  • 8 October 2026, 5–7 pm – Inaugural event featuring lamp lighting, artist walkthroughs and a meet-and-greet session.
  • 10 October 2026, 5–7 pm – Rumi – Words that Stay, with artiste Mohit Sharma presenting Rumi’s poetry in Hindustani followed by an open discussion.
  • 24 October 2026, 5–7 pm – Art & the Everyday, a conversation with artists Siddhesh Rane and Nilesh Nikam on inspiration and artistic practice.

These events aim to encourage dialogue between artists and audiences beyond the exhibition space.

Visitor Information

Event Details
Title Light, Colour & Life – Group Exhibition
Artist Group Exhibition featuring 18 artists
Venue Gallery Pradarshak, Khar West, Mumbai & Online, Mumbai
Opening Date 8 October 2026
Organiser Gallery Pradarshak
Entry / Tickets Free Entry
Website / Registration https://www.gallerypradarshak.com

For additional information, interviews or image requests, visitors may contact Gallery Pradarshak through its official channels.

Takeaway

Light, Colour & Life brings together multiple artistic perspectives that reflect the richness of everyday experiences. By combining established and emerging voices, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage with diverse approaches to contemporary painting. Through its artworks and public programmes, the exhibition highlights the role of art in encouraging observation, reflection and cultural dialogue within the community.

In-Between the Dialogue: Jyoti and Shreya Singh Explore Connection Through Art at Gallery ArtCradle

0

In-Between the Dialogue- Jyoti and Shreya Singh Explore Connection Through Art-01

Gallery ArtCradle in Gurugram will present In-Between the Dialogue: Spasht–Aspasht, a two-person exhibition featuring artists Jyoti Singh and Shreya Singh. Curated by Asmita Grover, the exhibition will be on view from 25 September to 6 October 2026 at the gallery’s DLF Phase 1 space. Bringing together the practices of a mother and daughter, the exhibition examines how artistic expression can become a form of communication, connection and self-discovery.

A Conversation Beyond Words

At the centre of the exhibition is the idea that dialogue extends beyond spoken language. Through paintings and abstract compositions, the artists explore how emotions, gestures, memories and shared experiences create meaningful connections. The title Spasht–Aspasht (Clear–Unclear) reflects the space between certainty and ambiguity, where personal narratives and relationships continue to evolve.

The exhibition considers art as a language through which individuals can communicate, encourage one another and better understand themselves. According to the curatorial framework, the works remain distinct while engaging in an ongoing visual conversation.

Jyoti Singh’s Exploration of Nature and Identity

In-Between the Dialogue- Jyoti and Shreya Singh Explore Connection Through Art-03

Gurugram-based artist Jyoti Singh (b. 1978) works primarily in acrylic and mixed media. Her practice investigates themes of femininity, identity, nature and inner experience. Drawing from both figurative and abstract traditions, she creates layered visual narratives where women and elements of the natural world become symbols of resilience, transformation and self-reflection.

With academic training in Botany alongside formal fine arts education, Singh combines observation and imagination in her work. Over the years, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions across India, developing a practice that encourages viewers to engage with multiple interpretations rather than a single narrative.

Shreya Singh’s Language of Abstraction

In-Between the Dialogue- Jyoti and Shreya Singh Explore Connection Through Art-02

Shreya Singh (b. 2002), a graduate of GD Goenka University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, approaches abstraction through watercolour on paper. Her works investigate the relationships between structure and spontaneity, using colour, geometric forms, lines and negative space to evoke emotional and psychological landscapes.

Her practice draws on personal experiences and explores art as a means of resilience and self-expression. Singh has participated in exhibitions across India and has received recognition through awards and the CCRT Young Artist Scholarship.

Curatorial Perspective

The exhibition is curated by Asmita Grover, a museum curator and heritage professional whose work focuses on museum interpretation, exhibition development and cultural heritage. Grover holds an MPhil from Trinity College Dublin and has academic training in History, Museum Studies, and Public History & Cultural Heritage. Her professional experience includes work with museums and cultural institutions in India, including museum development and heritage initiatives.

According to the curator, the exhibition does not attempt to merge the artists’ practices into a single visual language. Instead, it highlights how two creative journeys can develop independently while remaining connected through shared experiences and familial bonds.

About Gallery ArtCradle

In-Between the Dialogue- Jyoti and Shreya Singh Explore Connection Through Art-04

Founded in 2023, Gallery ArtCradle has positioned itself as a contemporary art platform that supports both emerging and established artists. Beyond exhibitions, the gallery promotes artistic exchange through workshops, events and community engagement initiatives. Its programming spans painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media, with a focus on creating accessible encounters with contemporary art.

Exhibition Highlights

  • Two-person exhibition featuring mother-daughter artists Jyoti Singh and Shreya Singh
  • Curated by museum professional Asmita Grover
  • Exploration of dialogue, memory, identity and artistic connection
  • Works spanning abstraction, mixed media and watercolour
  • Focus on themes of creativity, resilience and self-discovery

Visitor Information

Event Name Details
Artists In-Between the Dialogue: Spasht–Aspasht
Artists Jyoti Singh and Shreya Singh
Curator Asmita Grover
Venue Gallery ArtCradle, DLF Phase 1, Gurugram, Haryana
Exhibition Dates 25 September – 6 October 2026
Organiser Gallery ArtCradle
Entry / Tickets Details available on request
Website https://www.galleryartcradle.com/

For more information about the gallery, visitors can explore Gallery ArtCradle.

Final Thoughts

In-Between the Dialogue: Spasht–Aspasht presents an opportunity to reflect on the ways relationships shape artistic practice and personal growth. By bringing together two distinct voices connected through family and creativity, the exhibition offers audiences a thoughtful exploration of communication, identity and shared experience. In a broader cultural context, the exhibition contributes to ongoing conversations about intergenerational learning, artistic exchange and the role of contemporary art in fostering meaningful connections.