The exhibition features works by Krishen Khanna, Thota Vaikuntam, Himmat Shah, Mahendra Kadia, Madhvi Parekh, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi, Paul Kuntze, and Yashika Sugandh — each exploring unique artistic vocabularies through painting, sculpture, embroidery, jewellery, and functional art.

Diverse in size, medium, and theme, the display includes sculptures, paintings, and embroidery, along with jewellery by Thota Vaikuntam and functional artworks by Yashika Sugandh. Together, these works create a layered visual experience that bridges tradition and innovation, reflecting the gallery’s vision of fostering dialogue between artistic legacies and contemporary practices.

From Krishen Khanna’s poignant portrayals of humanity and Thota Vaikuntam’s vivid depictions of rural Telangana, to Himmat Shah’s timeless sculptural explorations and Mahendra Kadia’s poetic abstractions, the booth traverses decades of Indian modernism. Madhvi Parekh’s folk-inspired yet contemporary visual language, rooted in memory, mythology, and the everyday, adds lyrical depth to the exhibition. Complementing these stalwarts are powerful contemporary voices, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi’s dystopian figuration, Paul Kuntze’s reinterpretations of Baroque frescoes, and Yashika Sugandh’s functional, nature-inspired works that blur the line between art and design.

The exhibition will be on view at Art Mumbai 2025, from 13–16 November at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Booth C41, 11 AM to 7 PM.

The post Celebrating Iconic Artists: Krishen Khanna, Himmat Shah, and Madhvi Parekh in a Curated Exhibition by Sanya Malik at Black Cube, Mumbai appeared first on NRI News.

Kicking off with events in Bengaluru and Goa on May 10, goREADS will feature interactive bookish hangouts where authors across genres, languages, and lived experiences vibe with readers over book talks, creative sessions, workshops, Q&As, and more, all in the social, design-first spaces – goSTOPS is renowned for. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking to meet your literary idol or a traveller craving a plot twist in your itinerary, goREADS promises an experience that’s meaningful, memorable, and creatively inspiring.

The first leg of goREADS brings two powerful voices to the fore. At its tech-powered hostel in HSR, Bengaluru, goSTOPS will host Shinie Antony, prolific author and founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival, for a freewheeling discussion about her books — including Can’t, Eden Abandoned and Hell Hath No Fury — and her experience curating one of the country’s most respected literary events. This scintillating and insightful session will be moderated by esteemed journalist and literature enthusiast Monika Monalisa.

Meanwhile, in Goa, writer Michelle Mendonça Bambawale will take over goSTOPS Vagator with a discussion on her book Becoming Goan, with renowned journalist Sneha Vakharia. This will be followed by a candid Q&A session. Her talk will delve into the deeply personal journey of moving to Goa during the COVID-19 pandemic, rediscovering her ancestry, and finding her place in a city that often plays muse to many.

Sharing her thoughts on the launch of this new literary IP, Pallavi Agarwal, Founder & CEO at goSTOPS, said, “At goSTOPS, we’ve always believed that travel is much more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about discovery, connection, and stories you carry home with you. With goREADS, we’re doubling down on our mission to make travel meaningful. We are creating spaces where backpackers and bibliophiles come together, and where ideas, like memories, are shared long after checkout. This is the kind of community-driven experience that we believe the young traveller is hungry for — something real and refreshingly different.”

Shinie Antony, author and founder of, Bangalore Literature Festival, noted, “Stories are a form of travel, taking our soul from point A to point B. The journey may be emotional, intellectual, or physical, but ultimately all travel is spiritual.”

Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, author, added, “Travel is a transformative experience, and for me, moving to Goa amidst the pandemic was one such event. Through the inaugural goREADS event, I hope to inspire young travellers to read more, write, and document their journeys as they explore new destinations, since good storytelling can only happen when there’s a personal touch to stories.”

goREADS is designed to evolve as a series of year-round literary events that champion diverse voices and encourage authentic expression, be it through spontaneous readings, creative workshops, or literary collabs. By tapping into the storytelling power of literature, goSTOPS is building yet another touchpoint for travellers and communities to engage beyond the usual. It’s what the brand has always done best — turn hostels into hubs for community spirit, creativity, and discovery. 

Because at goSTOPS, every stay has a story, and now, with goREADS, you can hear it read aloud.

The post goSTOPS Unveils goREADS: A Unique Literary IP Designed for the Modern Traveler appeared first on NRI News.

NCPA@thePark – This initiative aims to make performing arts accessible to the public by delivering a unique and engaging experience featuring various live performances, ranging from dance and international music to Western classical music, Indian music, and theatre, entirely free of cost.

The program will commence at 6:30 PM with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI). Based at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, the SOI is India’s first and only professional orchestra. Founded in 2006 by NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook and internationally renowned violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev, who serves as the Orchestra’s Music Director, the SOI has established itself as a premier musical ensemble. Following successful editions in Mumbai, NCPA@thePark is now making its debut in Pune.

Members of the Symphony Orchestra of India present an evening of timeless beauty and profound emotion, featuring a curated selection of iconic compositions by renowned composers. Experience the elegance and power of orchestral works, soulful melodies, and virtuosic solos as you journey through the rich traditions of classical music to modern works. Perfect for music lovers and those seeking a refined cultural experience, this concert promises to leave you inspired and deeply moved.

Indian classical dance draws inspiration from temples and gods. Although the compositions eulogize various gods with their stories, they also explore human emotions. The relationship between Paramatma (the Supreme Soul) and Jeevathma (the Individual Soul) comes into harmony in this dance presentation, ‘Nrutyollasa’, by Praveen Kumar and his team. This program will start around 7.40 PM.

The post NCPA’s ‘NCPA@thePark’ Series Debuts in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

‘Once Upon a Time, a Pandemic’ is Chithkala’s first exhibition in Pune and will display her poignant and personal artistic expression of the pandemic times. The art offers meaningful insights into human experiences by recalling the realities of living through lockdowns and isolation. Each painting in this exhibition tells an evocative story. Chithkala’s visuals will encourage viewers to introspect about life, grief, recollection, and resilience. They will serve as lyrical tools to understand the fragility of the world around us.

The post Unveiling Creativity In Challenging Times: Once Upon A Time, A Pandemic – An Exhibition Of Paintings From 2nd August appeared first on NRI News.

Time: Open daily from 11 am to 6 pm except Mondays and Tuesdays. Address -Method Kala Ghoda, 86, Nagindas Master Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

MUMBAI: Method Kala Ghoda presents ‘Electric Floral Fantasy’ Eeshani Mitra’s second solo with Method and her first solo exhibition at Method – Kala Ghoda, Mumbai where Mitra lives and works. This new body of work includes a series of printed photographic installations, video installations, and wax works, the exhibition continues Eeshani’s exploration of natural and synthetic materials, giving rise to works where the foreign and the familiar collide. With her abstract photographic compositions that are created by employing a range of image production techniques, she creates a dialogue between the natural and the unnatural, immersing the viewer in the details of its elements. 

Extending beyond traditional narratives and formats, the body of work is a window to a surreal world, which is scanned and sometimes molded in wax by the artist. Interested in the physical interaction of the viewer and the work, Mitra’s wax works invite the viewers to touch and investigate the surface of her immersion experiments. Textures emerge, as the nooks and groves that tend to go amiss show themselves amongst the space occupied in the wax by floral articles, nylon, paints, plastic, moss, and other organic materials.

Eeshani finds inspiration in an emulsive blend of organic and inorganic materials. Her work starts with elements that intrigue her. She observes and understands how the pieces come together, creating textures and patterns each unique to the blend, resulting in compositions that are surreal and dreamlike. 

The artist experiments with a range of drying and blending techniques with the materials while at the same time preserving a balance of elements in her compositions. The textures created in her images are a result of playing with different viscous mediums such as oils, glycerin, detergent, colors, and water. These mediums are placed in a flat-bottomed glass container, where she mixes each synthetic element independently in steps to discern the formation of textures slowly before adding organic materials such as flowers, leaves, and moss.

For her images, she makes use of a large format scanner, capturing the highly detailed textures and minutia of her emulsions. Aside from using glass containers for holding the mediums while scanning, Eeshani often drains out the remaining liquids and transfers them between plastic sheets. These sheets are then carefully placed over the scanner glass and manipulated by hand while the machine begins to scan the ever-changing shapes created by these distortions. 

Through multiple attempts by the scanner to create imaging of the fluid compositions, the artist finds and enhances the parts that speak to her. 

To make the wax sculpture work, Eeshani begins by melting natural wax in a deep container placed over a hot water bath. Gradually, she adds colors and selects various elements such as preserved floral articles, acrylic, and plastic color gels. She frequently integrates pieces of moss such as preserved reindeer lichens, which are meticulously positioned inside a square silicone mold. Subsequently, she pours the molten wax over them and adds additional layers of elements on top.

Once the sculpture is prepared and repoured for vibrancy, the mold is set aside to prevent dust accumulation during the curing process. It remains undisturbed for a day before being removed from the mold.

Eeshani Mitra is a visual artist and zine maker. Her work spans various media, including photography, video installation, sound, print, and sculpture. By employing a range of image production techniques, she juxtaposes common objects—floral articles, linen, wax, vinyl, and other synthetic materials—to create vivid imagery where the foreign and the familiar seem to collide. Eeshani lives and works between Kolkata and Mumbai.

The post ‘Electric Floral Fantasy’ Solo Exhibition By Eeshani Mitra At Method Kala Ghoda appeared first on NRI News.

“This Beautiful World” features 35 exquisite watercolor paintings that bring out the beauty of our surroundings through Dr. Mahajan’s unique perspective. Her inimitable style and mastery of watercolors breathe life into a diverse range of subjects, from enchanting flora and fauna to captivating landscapes and architectural wonders. Among the highlights of the exhibition are 10-12 artworks depicting the enchanting aspects of flora and fauna, such as the cute innocence of a rabbit, the elegant charm of horses, and the ferocity of a wild cat. The collection also includes serene autumn landscapes and vibrant floral compositions.

Following the successful exhibition “Curious Charms, The Magic of Aquarelle” showcased last year at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Mahajan has teamed up once again with Art Historian and Curator Dr. Alka Pande for this exhibition.  “This Beautiful World” also features European and Cuban architectural influences, including scenes of Bavarian castles, London pubs, the Adriatic coast, and Cuban streets. Her fascination with vintage cars is evident in six compositions, while three portraits of young girls capture profound expressions. The exhibition promises to enchant art enthusiasts with Dr. Sushma Mahajan’s masterful watercolors and attention to detail, making it a must-see event for all.

“From x-ray scans to a world of beauty. The essence of Sushma’s artistic expression is to excavate beauty from the darkest moments of life. Working as a radiologist in the department of oncology, Sushma interacts with people who are often in moments of despair and in the despairing anguish of life. What is singular about Sushma’s mindset is the fact that she sees a definitive positive and the essence of nature, from which we have so much to learn. Sushma’s internal landscapes represent a reality of life where there is Ikaam Satya” say’s Dr. Alka Pande.

“I am quite excited to showcase my latest collection of watercolor paintings at IHC, Delhi once again after a year and a quarter. The exhibition theme is ‘This Beautiful World’ and my endeavor as an artist is to make you appreciate the abundant beauty all around us, hidden and obvious, through my compositions. As was the case in my earlier exhibition in April last year, the viewer will get to see my whole range of art encapsulating flora and fauna, portraits, architecture, and still art. A new addition will be my creations inspired by our temple art and mythology. All in all, 36 artworks that I have painstakingly crafted in the last year or so will be on display at my forthcoming exhibition. I just hope it receives the same warmth and love as was received for my first show here!” expresses Dr. Mahajan.

Dr. Sushma Mahajan is a distinguished medical professional and a passionate artist. She completed her MBBS at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, and her MD in Radiology from Government Medical College, Patiala. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mahajan has been a vital part of Bhagwan Mahavir Cancer Hospital in Jaipur for the past 14 years, serving as the Head of Radiology and recently promoted to Director.

Beyond her medical career, Dr. Mahajan discovered her artistic talent during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Self-taught, she embraced watercolor painting, finding it a cathartic escape from her demanding professional life. Her art, characterized by its vibrant and precise realism, often features animals, architecture, and nostalgic vintage items. Dr. Mahajan’s artworks have been showcased in several successful exhibitions, including prominent venues like the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Her artworks are also displayed in the homes of notable figures such as Ajay Shriram, Alok Shriram, Vinita Singhania, and even Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur, not to mention several suites at the Taj Hotels. Her pieces, which exude positivity and joy, are highly regarded and adorn prestigious households and hotels. Dr. Mahajan aspires to take her art global, continuing to explore and evolve her creative expressions.

Dr. Alka Pande is an art historian who has taught Indian Arts and Aesthetics at Panjab University for over ten years. Her major interests include gender identity, sexuality, and traditional arts. She has received numerous awards, including the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, the Australian-India Council Special Award, and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi honors to mention a few. Pande has also been involved in curating exhibitions and has been awarded the CIMA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. She is currently the head of the Visual Art Gallery at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Dr. Pande also set up the Bihar Museum Biennale in 2021 and is now the chief curator for the Bihar Museum Biennale.

Venue: Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre –

Lodhi Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

The post “This Beautiful World” – A Solo Exhibition by Dr. Sushma Mahajan Curated by Dr. Alka Pande appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Method Bandra presents ‘Where India Dries Its Clothes’ a solo exhibition by Karan Khosla, a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.  This exhibition is an evocative photographic series capturing a decade of observation and travel across the diverse landscapes of India by Karan Khosla. This intimate collection focuses on the universal act of drying clothes, a mundane yet poignant activity that transcends geographical, social, and economic boundaries.

Artist’s Statement :
‘Where India Dries My Clothes’ is an intimate visual exploration born from a decade-long observation during my extensive travels across India. What began as an exercise that was simply visually interesting has evolved into a unique reflection on the intricate lives and landscapes that define this diverse nation. The series encapsulates the universal act of drying clothes, one that transcends geographical,  social, and economic boundaries. From nomadic tribes in Gujarat to remote villages in North  Sikkim, from bustling urban areas to remote mountain communities, this collection reflects the omnipresent nature of this everyday chore, highlighting this shared experience despite varied circumstances.

The images traverse the length and breadth of India, capturing moments in ordinary settings: from  Covid vaccination camps in the slums of Bombay to the remote villages of Meghalaya, from surf schools in Karnataka to prime tiger territories in Pench.

Beyond the visual aesthetic, my intention behind this project is rooted in a desire to challenge prevailing narratives about India. As a photographer, I am committed to portraying the authentic essence of everyday existence without ‘exoticizing’ it for external consumption.  There wasn’t a grand blueprint for this project; rather, it emerged organically from my travels and observations. It’s a celebration of the simplicity and complexity found in the mundane aspects of life. The series doesn’t aim to revolutionize but to present an earnest portrayal of a subtle yet significant aspect of life in India.

So far the project has been largely incidental, where I was traveling for a work shoot or leisure and have actively searched for people drying their clothes, often hurriedly and with limited time on my hands. I have not had the resources to travel with the sole purpose of shooting for this project.

With the help of the grant, I intend to delve deeper into this project and travel with more purpose concerning the project, hopefully culminating in a photo book and a show at a gallery, for which I will need help reaching out to curators and editors, allowing these photographs to transcend their digital existence and share the stories with a wider audience.  

‘Where India Dries My Clothes’ is an ongoing testament to the beauty and unity found in the every day, inviting viewers to appreciate the nuances of life across this beautifully diverse country.  Through these images, I aim to evoke a sense of connection and understanding, bridging the gap between the familiar and the unfamiliar, the ordinary and the extraordinary.

The post ‘Where India Dries Its Clothes’ A Solo Exhibition By Karan Khosla appeared first on NRI News.

In India, the river Ganga holds a place of paramount significance. This river, with its sacred waters, has, since time immemorial, been a source of spiritual solace and cultural unity for millions.

The artistic journey explored in this series by Yusuf Arakkal and his son Shibu is deeply intertwined with philosophical explorations and personal truths. Being present along the Ganga, a profoundly philosophical place, the artists were drawn to the river itself and to the lives of those who have spent their time navigating its waters.

The boatmen of the Ganga, known as the Mallaah, are an integral and compelling part of this narrative that has been evocatively captured by Shibu Arakkal through his lens. For several hundred years, these men have passed down their oars from father to son, dedicating their lives to ferrying people across the sacred river. These men, almost wedded to their boats, spend their lives on these wooden vessels, performing their worldly duties and taking pride in being the true caretakers of this mystical river. The Mallaah men live lives apart from their families, deeply connected to the river they serve, almost as if they are born on these boats and may breathe their last on them.

The series of photographic artworks, titled ‘Mallaah,’ draws inspiration from these boatmen and their connection to the Ganga. This series is a response to their stark reality and an understanding of their lives. It does not seek to interpret something that may never be fully grasped but aims to create from their authentic experiences. The series captures the sociological complexity and deep-rooted connection these men have with the land and waters, akin to the sages and ancient faith.

Juxtaposed alongside the work of his son are the magnificent canvas creations of Yusuf Arakkal, clearly reflecting the intersection of their artistic legacies. 

Yusuf Arakkal, renowned for his evocative and textured paintings that delve into the human condition, was instrumental in laying the creative foundation in his son’s mind. Shibu Arakkal’s engagement in photographic realism and abstraction is in stark contrast to his father’s expressional work, yet the similarity in their poetic imagery is evident.

The effort in curating an exhibition like ‘Ganga’ was to stay true to a realism that is both authentic and poetic, reflecting Yusuf Arakkal’s influence and Shibu Arakkal’s artistic evolution.

The post Ganga’ – The Artistic Legacy Of Yusuf Arakkal And Shibu Arakkal appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: The city’s favorite art hub, Vesavar Art Gallery, marked its inaugural year of creative brilliance with great enthusiasm. The gallery, in collaboration with Treasure Art Gallery from Delhi as co-curator, proudly unveiled ‘Saga’ – a captivating exhibition by one of the greatest abstract painters in India, Prabhakar Kolte.

Known for his mastery in the realms of poetic and metaphysical abstractionism, Prabhakar Kolte, aged 78, brought his distinguished artworks to Vesavar Art Gallery for the first time. His journey from humble beginnings as a freelance illustrator to a renowned artist was nothing short of remarkable. Kolte’s artistic journey was deeply intertwined with meditation, drawing inspiration from the spiritual teachings of Marathi Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Bhagavad Gita commentary.

His paintings embody a vibrant artistic life, pulsating with the essence of existence itself. They resonate with life’s solemn tones and luminosity, captivating the viewer’s inner being through visual engagement. Kolte’s paintings reflect his desire to infuse specific energies into his art. Whether dark, light, or bright, his works demonstrate a shift towards a richer chromatic palette, departing from the stark, pale, monochromatic grounds of his earlier years.

Expressing his happiness to showcase his work after almost two decades, Prabhakar Kolte shared, “My artistic voyage commenced with simple black and white sketches, gradually evolving to embrace a spectrum of colors. Initially, I relied on rudimentary canvas tools. With three decades in the industry, my art revolves solely around expression; the idea is never preconceived before it meets the canvas.

I’m very happy to be back in this city after so long. And feel grateful to the founders of the gallery who have created such a beautiful space for art lovers.”

The prestigious exhibition was inaugurated by Sabina Sanghvi, the multifaceted entrepreneur and media personality, who has championed many social causes. “Team Vesavar’s unwavering belief in art, the city, and the artists is truly commendable. I’m delighted to inaugurate this exhibition and I’m committed to promoting young artists, musicians, and dancers from Pune as it is known as the cultural capital. Prabhakar Sir’s paintings are truly remarkable, and I anticipate enjoying them for years to come. The art of this stature cannot be consumed and understood in just one visit. It’s powerful and requires multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Kudos to the team,” Sanghvi expressed.

The founder of Vesavar, Kavita Bhandari said, “On this remarkable occasion of our one-year anniversary, we’re thrilled to announce that Vesavar Art Gallery has completed 10 exhibitions. It’s been an incredible journey for us, filled with growth and achievement.”

Co-founder, Pranali Harpude added, “From our humble beginnings to this significant milestone, we’ve been fortunate to have the unwavering support of the Bhandari family. We’re immensely grateful for the trust and belief showed by all the artists. This anniversary marks not only a celebration of our accomplishments but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering artistic expression in our community.“

Visitors to Vesavar Art Gallery have the opportunity to experience Prabhakar Kolte’s collection firsthand, delving into the profound beauty of his artwork showcased during the exhibition.

The post Vesavar Art Gallery Celebrates One Year Milestone with Prabhakar kolte’s ‘Saga’ appeared first on NRI News.

The gallery is set to be opened on 3rd March 2024 at 11 am at Shreeram Lagoo Rang Avakash at the hands of distinguished artist Sudhir Patwardhan in the presence of Artist Jayant Joshi and Artist Sudhakar Chavhan as the chief guests of the opening ceremony.

Speaking about the initiative, Pramod Kale- Co-ordinator, of Pune Gallery for Visual Arts, said, “ Pune has a rich heritage of Visual Art, however there is no dedicated place for connoisseurs to visit and appreciate this art form created by art stalwarts. This was the thought behind setting up a permanent art gallery at MCC Hub which will house Visual Art by legendary artists of today and yesteryears”.

Rajesh Deshmukh- Secretary of the Maharashtra Cultural Centre said, “Maharashtra Cultural Centre is always looking at ways to promote art forms of varied kinds. For the display at Pune Gallery For Visual Art, we invited artists to submit one creation each to our gallery and we received an overwhelming response from all of them. We are trying to get copies of the Artwork of deceased artists whose original artwork is now not available”.

The Pune Gallery of Visual Arts will showcase paintings, sketches, photographs, and sculptures by renowned artists like Sudhir Patwardhan, Suhas Bahulkar, Bhaskar Hande, Jayant Joshi, Satish Paknikar, Milind Dhere, Sandesh Bhandare, Sudhakar Chavan and many more young and budding artists.

The post Maharashtra Cultural Centre To Start  ‘Pune Gallery Of Visual Arts’ appeared first on NRI News.