Exhibitions at Jehangir – Week 38 of 2023

Mumbai – 22^nd September 2023

Week 38 of 2023: 18-24^th Sept

The inaugural events of this week’s art exhibitions at Jehangir Art Gallery coincided with the onset of major festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi in the state. The exhibition plan at the gallery opened with an equally enthusiastic and creative lineup of six new exhibitions – Three groups shows and three solo shows. As the shows are getting attention of art enthusiasts, amidst the cheerful hustle and bustle, here is a brief account of these shows.

Auditorium Hall

“Identity” – A group exhibition of paintings by Asif Sharief Shaikh, Zakir Husain Tanha, and sculptures by Ram Kumbhar.

Asif Sharief Shaikh, a formally trained artist from College of Visual Arts, Vasai and L S Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai. He has exhibited his ‘Joy of Life’ and ‘Atmakhoj’ series in solo and group exhibitions at prestigious galleries in Mumbai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Ujjain, Dubai, and Bhubaneshwar, receiving widespread acclaim. He has actively engaged in art camps, workshops, and demonstrations, earning numerous awards and recognition from renowned global and international art institutions. Asif draws inspiration from nature, seasonal changes, personal experiences, and rural life in Maharashtra, distilling iconic images into basic elements in his art.

Zakir Husain Tanha, an artist trained at Solapur and Mumbai, has achieved international acclaim for his thematic art displayed in galleries worldwide. He has received numerous awards and recognition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Switzerland, France, Germany, Singapore, and WTC Dubai, solidifying his unique presence in contemporary art. His work delves into complex contemporary issues, particularly the role of women in society as seen in his recent series ‘Bint-e-Hawwa.’ Zakir draws inspiration from daily life, the environment, social issues, nature, and science, manifesting his art across various styles like surrealism, realism, and abstraction. His thematic works skillfully depict qualities like mercy, affection, innocence, and love in women, while symbolizing knowledge, beauty, freshness, and energy, creating a distinctive and perceptive aesthetic.

Ram Kumbhar, born into a family of potters, has had a lifelong affinity for clay and pottery. He received formal training in sculpture at Mumbai’s Sir J J School of Art. His artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions at top art galleries, receiving positive feedback from the art community. Ram has received multiple awards from prominent art institutions, and his pieces are part of esteemed art collections. His latest series explores water bubbles, balloons, and various forms in SS & MS, Metal, Brass, and SS fiber. These artworks reflect everyday life experiences and evoke emotions of joy, pleasure, curiosity, and happiness in viewers.

Exhibition Gallery 1

“Joy” – Sculptures by Chandan Das

Chandan Das is a seasoned sculptor from West Bengal, educated at Govt College of Art & Craft, Kolkata and M S University, Baroda. He gets inspired from the pain and suffering of life and yet creates his world in which misery and sorrow have no entry. He firmly believes that his sculptures are the windows to this world, show exactly that a world that may be, a world where ‘Joy’ stands regnant and triumphant.

Exhibition Gallery 2

“Manifestation of Poorna” – Paintings by Anu Kulkarni and Vikram Kulkarni

Both Anu Kulkrani and Vikram Kulkarni have presented abstract paintings in their unique styles. Together they have put forth the concept that ‘Wholeness’ is dynamic and unceasing phenomenon. It is embodiment of form, colour, tone and aroma in the expanse of space and time. ‘Poorna’ or ‘Whole’ is a superlative realm that is beyond comprehension of the ordinary human mind, and which manifests itself through abstract paintings. Every painting is a fragment of the ‘Whole’. In that sense, the abstraction offers a way to approach the universal consciousness via its manifestations in the physical form of paintings.

Exhibition Gallery 3

“Unity” – Paintings by Abid Shaikh

Abid Shaikh through his show Unity proclaims that Unity is one of the most celebrated and controversial term in the history, so are perfect circles and straight lines in nature. Both Unity and such forms and shapes belong and emerge from human imagination and need. Today, being together is the need of our times, which is an act of resistance against forces of division and fragmentation. These works speak of the importance of creating, asserting and celebrating unity through geometric shapes and colours.

Exhibition Gallery 4

“Coralations” – Paintings by Roma Madan Soni

Prof. Dr. Roma Madan Soni is both an artist and an art historian. She is a member of the CAA-Getty International Program and actively participates in CAA (College Arts Association) Advancing Arts and Design in NYC. Her artwork has been displayed nationally and internationally, including notable venues like Jehangir Art Gallery, Rockefeller Center, Doris Duke Foundation, Kunsthaus-Steffisburg, TAPRI-Finland, Madrid-Spain, Istanbul-Turkey, MOMA-Kuwait, Bombay Art Society, Discover India Art Fair, and galleries like Artsy, Artling, and Artsper. She is also known for creating book covers, such as the one for the Routledge Handbook of Feminist Peace Research (2021). Dr. Roma has authored numerous articles in publications like the Journal of Visual Art Practice, Feminist Media Studies, Ecofeminism and Climate Change, and International Feminist Journal of Politics, among others.

“Coralations” celebrates the vibrant Coral Wombs of women and the Blue Ecologies, where diverse life forms and lifestyles intertwine. It highlights the transition of these life forms from tangible entities within women and oceans to abstract concepts, emphasizing their active roles in fostering coexistence in the Ecocene era. The title signifies a connected and ever-evolving community characterized by ecological unity. The artist employs rhythmic colors, textures, and contrasting shapes to allow viewers to immerse themselves in the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the underwater world. This captivating realm embodies both familiar and enigmatic energies and forces, which currently face threats.

Hirji Jehangir Gallery

“Triadic Strokes” – A group exhibition of Paintings by Dharam Pal, Geeta Tewari and Manish Chaudhary

Dharam Pal is a Delhi based seasoned self-taught artist passionately dedicated to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage through his art. He draws inspiration from India’s historic and deity-adorned heritage monuments, which serve as the cornerstone of his artistic vision, blending spirituality with craftsmanship. His artwork pays timeless tribute to these divine sculptures, aiming to ensure the enduring vitality of India’s cultural legacy and bridging the gap between the past and present for viewers. Through intricate details and emotive brushwork, he captures the essence of these architectural wonders, conveying a universal message that transcends time, emphasizing the enduring connection between art, history, and faith in India.

Geeta Tewari, a young artist hailing from Almora, Uttarakhand, holds an MFA degree from Kumaun University, Almora. She has exhibited her work in group exhibitions at prestigious venues like Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai and Artizen Art Gallery in New Delhi. Geeta has also actively participated in the Anubhuti and Anubhuti-2 All India Art Exhibitions in Almora. Her artistic journey has been supported by the Department of Sanskrit Education, Government of Uttarakhand, as she received the Young Artist Scholarship in both 2017 and 2018. Geeta’s art is deeply influenced by symbolism, with a current focus on unraveling the beauty and essence of nature. She skillfully breaks free from traditional perspectives, employing various textures and lines to infuse her artwork with a distinctive and captivating style. Her paintings are infused with emotions that vividly convey her personal lived experiences.

Manish Chaudhary, a young artist based in Delhi, skillfully combines tradition and innovation in his artwork, reflecting the essence of change, growth, and the harmonious blending of timeless customs with contemporary artistic passion. He holds an MFA qualification from Delhi University and has received the prestigious ‘Scholarship to Young Artist (SYA)’ from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in the field of Visual Arts Graphics. Manish’s achievements include a solo exhibition at Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Mumbai and participation in a group show at Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. His work was selected for the 83rd All India Exhibition of Arts 2017 at the Indian Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar. He also took part in the Centenary All India Art Exhibition 2014 in New Delhi (NDMC) hosted by the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS). In the current exhibition, Manish presents works from three of his series: Ganesha, Spillage, and Symmetry/Asymmetry, which showcase innovative use of mix media and conceptual creativity.

Art lovers can plan their visit to Jehangir Art Gallery to experience these wonderful exhibitions until 25^th September between 11 am and 7 pm.

Location: Jehangir Art Gallery, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001