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In March, India saw the launch of several new art exhibitions. Notably, Art Dubai kicked off the month, with participation from Indian galleries such as Anant Art Gallery, Chemould Prescott Road and others, held at the Madinat Jumeirah venue in Dubai. Back in India, Srila Chatterjee from Baro Market curated the annual Affordable Art Show from March 1st to 3rd at Method Juhu, showcasing works from over 15 artists across the country. Additionally, the Art Deco Mumbai Trust organised an exhibition honouring the architects and firms responsible for building Bombay during the 1930s-50s. Here are our top recommendations for art exhibitions to check out this month.
1. ‘Raghu Rai: A Thousand Lives – Photographs from 1965-2005,’ curated by Roobina Karode with Devika Daulet-Singh, at KNMA in Saket, Delhi
Series: Confessions of a Wall (1973-1977) Photograph courtesy Raghu Rai & PHOTOINK Collection: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
This showcase offers a comprehensive look at Raghu Rai’s prolific career spanning five decades, capturing the essence of India through his lens. Despite Rai’s established reputation as a renowned photographer, this exhibition uncovers lesser-known facets of his persona, focusing on his ability to encapsulate the diverse experiences of India and its people. Rai’s exploration of India’s multifaceted reality, from bustling streets to architectural wonders, is portrayed through his black and white photographs, showcasing his early work during the pre-digital era. The exhibition also presents a curated selection of images that reveal Rai’s keen interest in documenting political and spiritual leaders, while also tracing his evolution as a photographer intersecting with his years as a photojournalist. It offers viewers a unique opportunity to witness Rai’s imagination, as well as the unveiling of many previously unseen photographs from his archive.
On view at KNMA, 145, DLF South Court Mall, Sector 6, Saket, New Delhi until 30th April 2024
2. ‘An Eye Inside’ by Jayeeta Chatterjee, at Chemould Prescott Road, Mumbai
Jayeeta Chatterjee, ‘Jibon Ghore O Baire 4 (Life at Home and Outside)’, Woodcut Print on Rice Paper, 2024. Chemould Prescott Road.
This exhibition chronicles Chatterjee’s artistic journey from exploring interiors and architecture to delving into the intricate dynamics of domestic feminine politics. Combining her earlier works of coloured woodcut prints with a new body of work, Chatterjee integrates woodcut printmaking and embroidery to craft narratives that resonate with depth and authenticity. Through cloth scrolls, quilts, and prints, she documents the nuances of everyday life in Bengal, drawing inspiration from the women she engages with in her community. By incorporating elements of Nakshi Kantha traditions, she breathes life into her work, showcasing mundane domestic scenes where women take centre stage, whether draped in a sari, tending to chores, or engaging in community activities.
3. ‘Kali: Reverence and Rebellion’ at DAG, New Delhi
Madhvi Parekh, ‘Kali on Mahishasur’, Acrylic on Canvas, 2005. DAG.
Over the past century, the perception of Kali’s worship in India has undergone significant shifts. Initially stigmatised during British colonial rule, she later became revered by leaders like Ramakrishna and symbolised resistance during the nationalist movement. Marginalised groups, including tribals, peasants, trans individuals, women, Dalits, and householders, have found empowerment in Kali within India’s complex societal dynamics.
In contemporary art, Kali’s portrayal has evolved beyond traditional boundaries, offering more personal and intimate depictions. Curated by Gayatri Sinha, the group exhibition delves into these diverse interpretations of Kali’s representation in modern art.
On view at DAG, 22A, Janpath Road, Windsor Place, New Delhi, until March 30, 2024
4. ‘2024: Notes from a Generation,’ by photographer Prarthna Singh and writer Snigdha Poonam at TARQ, Mumbai
2024 (03), 2020. Courtesy of Prarthna Singh and TARQ.
This multimedia showcase features a series of portraits accompanied by a soundscape that amplifies the voices of the individuals depicted. Each portrait is the result of in-depth conversations, aiming to construct a multifaceted narrative of India’s vibrant and influential youth—the generation poised to inherit and shape the future.
Set against the backdrop of a historic year for elections worldwide, including India, ‘2024: Notes from a Generation’ captures the essence of young citizens who are navigating and actively participating in a tumultuous and complex political and social landscape. Through years of dialogue, image-making, and analysis, Singh and Poonam traversed the towns they grew up in and the bustling metropolises they now call home. Their work, initiated during the significant election year of 2019, spans the past five years—a period marked by radical transformations in Indian politics and society.
This exhibition offers a profound exploration of the evolving socio-political landscape through the lens of India’s youth.
5. ‘All That Is Hidden: Mapping Departures in Landscape, Terrains, and Geographies’ at Emami Art, Kolkata
Installation view of ‘All That Is Hidden: Mapping Departures in Landscape, Terrains, and Geographies’ at Emami Art, Kolkata.
This exhibition delves into the evolution of landscape in art history, exploring its themes within cultural, societal, and artistic contexts. Amid political upheavals since the world wars, terrains and geography have shifted, shaped by cartographic interventions creating an “otherness” and affecting cultural connections. The enduring wounds of partition and exodus shape collective psyches, creating spaces fraught with uncertainty. Ecological concerns add urgency, prompting reflection on future implications. Emerging from heightened consciousness, the exhibition seeks to uncover hidden stories and lacunae, inviting viewers to engage with our shared landscapes and geographies.