PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

With a plethora of art events happening in India this March, this is the perfect time to indulge in your love for art. This month’s art calendar pays homage to feminine ingenuity, delving into the complexities of family ties, honouring artists, and offering immersive experiences. We’ve curated a selection of the month’s top exhibitions, providing insight into the most captivating showcases. Take a closer look at what March has in store for art enthusiasts.

1. Chitrakoodam: A Tribute to C.N. Karunakaran

“Chitrakoodam: A Tribute to C.N. Karunakaran,” presented by the Sandeep & Gitanjali Maini Foundation in Bengaluru and Palette People in Kochi, pays homage to the extraordinary life and artistic genius of Kerala’s revered painter, C.N. Karunakaran. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in his abstract landscapes, figurative pieces, and works that draw from Kerala mural and miniature traditions, showcasing his distinctive style and contribution to Indian art.

When: 26th February to 31st March, 2024.

Where: Maini Sadan, 38, Lavelle Road, 7th Cross, Bangalore

2. Shakti: Fair & Fierce, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi

What better way to honour International Women’s Day on March 8th than by celebrating the power of women? Two prestigious galleries, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Delhi and the Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA) in Belgium, come together to pay tribute to feminine ‘shakti’ and creativity. This extensive showcase features over 100 artworks by 55 talented female artists from various regions of India. Curated by Sushma K. Bahl, with contributions from Meghna Vyas Arora, the exhibition spans diverse mediums and pays homage to the enduring creativity and strength of women.

When : February 4–March 31st, 2024

Where : National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Jaipur House, India Gate Hexagon, New Delhi

3. ‘REQUIEM’ by Sarika Bajaj

Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art presents Sarika Bajaj’s solo exhibition, “Requiem,” opening on March 15, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm. The collection invites viewers into a world of sensorial exploration, where multi-media artworks intertwine with the symbolism of bird feathers. Bajaj’s illustrious career, spanning international presentations and exhibitions, underscores her unique artistic vision. Through intricate tapestries and sculptures, Bajaj delves into themes of interconnectedness and resilience, offering viewers a profound meditation on existence and time.

When : March 15th, 2024

Where : Anupa Mehta Contemporary Art, Colaba, Mumbai

4. KALI: Reverence and Rebellion, DAG New Delhi

Exploring the strength, destruction, and mortality of goddess Kali, DAG presents a curated exhibition by Gayatri Sinha that traces the goddess’s depiction from ancient times to mediaeval miniature paintings and into the modern era. Showcasing a diverse array of artworks, including paintings, ceramic figurines, and prints by acclaimed artists like Satish Gujral, K. Laxma Goud, and GR Santosh, this exhibition offers a captivating journey through the artistic interpretations of Kali across centuries and cultures.

When : February 3–March 30th, 2024

Where : DAG, 22A Janpath Road, Windsor Place, New Delhi

5. Artix Edition 2.0

ARTIX presents its highly anticipated sequel, offering a captivating departure from traditional gallery experiences. Set to unfold at HOTEL THE PARK in Hyderabad from March 16–17, 2024, this Hotel Art Fair transforms ordinary hotel rooms into exclusive showcase spaces, radiating the dynamic energy of artists and their creations. Spearheaded by visionary minds Payal Kapoor, Malvika Poddar, and Sethu Vaidyanathan, ARTIX blends indigenous and global art to honour tradition and heritage. Featuring 75 artists, 15 galleries, 9 solo shows, and a diverse array of works, ARTIX promises a dynamic showcase of artistic talent from all corners of India.

When : March 16th–17th, 2024 (Open to all)

Where : HOTEL THE PARK, 04th Floor 22, Raj Bhavan Rd., Hyderabad

6. A small village, around the corner, up in the mountain by Subodh Gupta

Nature Morte, a prominent fixture in New Delhi’s cultural scene, expands its footprint to Mumbai with a permanent gallery space in Colaba’s art district. The gallery inaugurates its Mumbai presence with a solo exhibition by acclaimed artist Subodh Gupta, renowned for his innovative use of everyday objects in his artwork. The exhibition showcases Gupta’s sculptures, paintings, and wall reliefs created over recent years, exploring themes of time’s passage and familial connections through ordinary utilities. Gupta’s exploration continues as he delves into the symbolism of commonplace objects, crafting intricate sculptures, reliefs, and paintings that reflect the social dynamics of Indian society.

When : Until March 9th, 2024

Where : Nature Morte, Dhanraj Mahal, Block A, Third Floor, Colaba, Mumbai