HIGHLIGHTS FROM DELHI CONTEMPORARY ART WEEK 2024

Returning for its 7th edition, the ongoing Delhi Contemporary Art Week (DCAW) promises to showcase an eclectic mix of contemporary artists at Bikaner House, Delhi. A total of 9 women gallerists and more than 50 artists are presenting their works at this year’s edition.

Co-founded in 2017 by founder of Latitude 28’s Bhavna Kakar and Shrine Empire’s Anahita Taneja — DCAW, over the years, has evolved into a significant platform for both established and emerging artists. An impressive lineup, including the established stalwarts like Vadehra Art Gallery, Gallery Espace, and new and upcoming galleries including Latitude 28, Shrine Empire, Blueprint 12, and Exhibit 320 will be exhibiting this year.

Here’s a list of exhibits that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Vadehra Art Gallery

Established in 1987 with a passion to pioneer South Asian art as a conduit of cultural celebration, Roshini Vadehra’s Vadehra Art Gallery is presenting an impressive collection, including works by India’s contemporary icons — Anju and Atul Dodiya. The gallery also features poignant portraits by Faiza Butt and multicultural photographs by Sunil Gupta, capturing the protests by queer communities in 1980s London. Additionally, paintings by Zaam Arif exploring the human condition are also on display, while Sudhir Patwardhan’s recent drawings delving into the complexities of intimacy are set to enchant the viewers. Shailesh B.R.’s mixed media collages will provide a thoughtful commentary on human experiences.

Gallery Espace

Established in New Delhi in 1989 by Renu Modi, Gallery Espace is showcasing award-winning interdisciplinary artist, photographer, environmental campaigner, writer, and curator Ravi Aggarwal’s photography. One of the exhibition’s highlights is Soma Surovi Jannat’s installation, “Time without Birth and Death,” which explores cyclical existence. Rashmimala’s environmental-themed art and luminous canvases by Tanmoy Samanta are also pieces that one shouldn’t miss out on. Upcoming artists like Amit Ambalal, Ishita Chakraborty, and Sonia Mehra Chawla are also featured.

Latitude 28

Established in 2010, Bhavna Kakar’s Latitude 28 is celebrating its 15th year, and continues to be a beacon for emerging artists from the Global South. The gallery’s collection that is displayed at DCAW includes Jehangir Asghar Jani’s evocative sculptures, and Sudipta Das’s remarkable pieces titled “Echoes.” Artists like Ankush Safaya and Harman Taneja explore themes of belonging, while Sanket Viramgami’s textile works offer a unique perspective.

Blueprint 12

Founded by Mandira Lamba and Riddhi Bhalla in 2012, Blueprint 12 brings a fresh perspective with their selection. The gallery focuses on contemporary South Asian art that transcends borders, fostering global dialogue. Featured artists include Divyesh Undaviya, Meghana Gavireddygari, and Anilakumar Govindappa, whose works are known for their narrative richness.

Shrine Empire

Co-founded by Anahita Taneja and Shefali Somani Shrine Empire in 2008, Shrine Empire, since its inception, has consistently focused on promoting artists from the South Asian region whose practices emphasise process, research, and conceptual use of media and material, and is renowned for its emotionally resonant exhibitions. This year, the gallery features the works of Amitava Das and Bangladeshi artist Begum Tayeba Lipi. Lipi’s thought-provoking “Button of Blades” is a personal commentary on the tragedies of war. The gallery also introduces new works by Hema Shironi and Natasha Das.

Exhibit 320

Located in the heart of Lado Sarai, New Delhi, Exhibit 320 is known for providing a dynamic and creative hub for artists, the arts and its audience. Curated by Rasika Kajaria, the gallery’s selection includes the meditative abstractions of Gopi Gajwani, as well as works by artists such as Deena Pindoria, Deepak Kumar, and Priyantha Udagedara. Udagedara’s solo show, “Weathering Waves,” is currently on display at the gallery.

Special Exhibitions

DCAW will also feature two thematic exhibitions at Bikaner House: “A Bold Step Sideways” curated by Girish Shahane, and “Threads That Bare.” “A Bold Step Sideways” showcases 18 artists exploring a wide array of styles and mediums, while “Threads That Bare” brings together Indian textile traditions reinterpreted through modern art.

Delhi Contemporary Art Week 2024 will run from 31st August to 4th September at Bikaner House, New Delhi.

Text by Shalini Passi

Image Courtesy: Vadehra Art Gallery, Gallery Escape, Latitude 28, Blueprint 12, Shrine Empire, Exhibit 320, and Mehak Jain

Find out more about the exhibits here:

https://bikanerhouse.rajasthan.gov.in/upcoming-events/2022/8

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