7 Art Shows in India You Should Gear Up for in August 2024

As an art enthusiast living in India, I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in the art world. And let me tell you, August 2024 is shaping up to be a cracker of a month for art shows in India! From thought-provoking exhibitions to retrospectives that’ll make you say “Wow, I didn’t know art could do that!”, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your brollies (because, you know, monsoon) and let’s dive into the seven art shows in India that you absolutely must see this August.

1. The Future Will Remember at Method, Mumbai

Kicking off our list is an exhibition that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about art and activism. American artist-activist Alexis Rose brings “The Future Will Remember” to Method in Mumbai, and trust me, it’s not your average art show.

Imagine this folks, you walk into the gallery, and instead of serene landscapes or abstract swirls, you’re confronted with sculptural artefacts and digital documentation of the current reality in Gaza.

This is a tribute being paid and acknowledgement being paid to 6747 individuals that was confirmed by The Gaza Health Ministry in October and about 36000 more that were unconfirmed and martyred souls of Gaza. It’s like stepping into a time capsule from the future, looking back at our present. Rose’s work honors those fighting daily strife, and it’s a powerful reminder that art can be a weapon of change.

If you’re in Mumbai and fancy a bit of eye-opening, mind-bending art, head to Method until 12th August. Just don’t blame me if you leave feeling like you need to change the world!

2. Tales from the East: Embers, Echoes, and Stories of Shifting Earth at Exhibit 320, New Delhi

Next up, we’re jetting off to the capital for a show that’ll make you look at urban life in a whole new light. “Tales from the East” at Exhibit 320 in New Delhi is like a love letter to the chaos of city living – if that love letter was written on a crumbling wall with spray paint, that is.

Curated by Prayag Chakradhar, this exhibition features works by five artists who’ve clearly spent way too much time people-watching in busy markets. From Suryakant Swain to Ronny Sen, these artists use everything from traditional media to probably some stuff they found on the street to capture the beauty and banality of urban life, showcasing the invisible thin line that connects the past with the flowing present.

Fair warning: after visiting this show (on until 15th August), you might find yourself staring wistfully at construction sites and finding poetry in traffic jams. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

3. Resemblance: The Art of Rustom Siodia and Cumi Dallas at Chatterjee & Lal, Mumbai

Ever wondered what it would be like if your dad was also your artistic rival? No? Well, Cumi Dallas lived it, and now you can see the results at Chatterjee & Lal in Mumbai.

This unique exhibition brings together the works of Rustom Siodia (the first Parsi to study at the Royal Academy of London, no less) and who was also honored to paint murals at the rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and his daughter, Cumi Dallas, who continued the legacy of her father by becoming a well-known portraitist after The Queen of Iran had sat for her. It’s like a family album, if your family album consisted of portraits of Madame Cama and the Queen of Iran.

From Siodia’s history paintings to Dallas’s Bombay Revival style, this show is a journey through time and artistic movements. Catch it until 24th August, and who knows? You might leave inspired to start a family art dynasty of your own!

4. Douce France by Henri Landier at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, New Delhi

Fancy a trip to France but can’t afford the airfare? Fear not! Henri Landier’s “Douce France” at Alliance Francaise de Delhi is the next best thing. This 90-year-old French artist is bringing his vision of France to India for the first time, and let me tell you, it’s like stepping into a Parisian dream. Henri Landier is a well recognized painter who has been appreciated globally for his intricate and expressive paintings on life, portraits and the ever-transforming urban landscapes.

Landier’s works span seven decades and include everything from etchings to oil paintings. It’s like a crash course in French art history, minus the jet lag and overpriced croissants. The exhibition runs until 19th August, so you have plenty of time to practice your “ooh la la”s before visiting.

5. ہم دیکھیں گے | We Will See at Experimenter, Mumbai

If you’re in the mood for some art with a side of social commentary, “We Will See” at Experimenter in Mumbai is right up your alley. Taking its title from a Faiz Ahmed Faiz resistance song (because why not?), this exhibition brings together two artists who are separated by land but united in their visions of hope.

Puspakanthan Pakkiyarajah was born in Batticaloa (Sri Lanka) and has done his BFA in Art & Design from University of Jaffna. His drawings, paintings, digital prints, and various artistic installations are keenly focused on the legacy of Sri Lanka by depicting its lengthy civil war, while also depicting some of the global topics such as racism and inequality through his artistic makes.

Sri Lankan artist Pushpakanthan Pakkiyaraja’s multimedia works focus on the impact of civil war, while Vikrant Bhise’s paintings explore the daily struggles of caste-oppressed communities in India. It’s heavy stuff, but trust me, it’s the kind of art that stays with you long after you’ve left the gallery.

Running until 6th September, this show will leave you pondering questions of collective trauma and self-determination. Perfect for those days when you want your art with a side of existential crisis!

6. Body/Shrine by Bhupen Khakhar at Akara Modern, Mumbai

No list of art shows in India would be complete without a nod to one of the greats. Bhupen Khakhar‘s “Body/Shrine” at Akara Modern in Mumbai is like the artistic equivalent of comfort food – if your comfort food happened to be quirky, profound, and occasionally provocative.

Bhupen Khakar is undoubtedly one of the GOATs and a Padma Shri awardee, who has left a legacy through his paintings that would often use the mixture of classical miniatures and European illusions, with over 14 solo exhibitions including his first ever exhibition first in Bombay in 1965.

Khakhar’s works explore everything from sexuality to religious themes, all rendered in his signature style that’s part folk art, part pop art, and all awesome. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a Khakhar newbie, this exhibition (on until 17th August) is sure to delight and intrigue. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a sudden urge to paint your life story on a temple wall!

7. Past Forward by Anjaneyulu G at Art Alive Gallery, New Delhi

We’re rounding off our list with a show that’ll make you rethink your relationship with your gran’s old brass collection. Anjaneyulu G’s “Past Forward” at Art Alive Gallery in New Delhi is all about the intersection of old and new, tradition and modernity.

Anjaneyulu creates hyper-realistic visuals that juxtapose items from different eras. Think traditional bronze objects cosying up to stainless steel vessels. It’s like a dinner party where your great-grandmother’s prized possessions mingle with your IKEA purchases.

Running until 7th September, this exhibition is a vibrant reminder that the past is always with us, shaping our present and future. It’s also a great place to get ideas for how to display that antique vase your aunt gifted you alongside your minimalist decor!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Seven art shows in India that are guaranteed to make your August more colourful, thought-provoking, and possibly a bit weird (in the best way possible, of course). Whether you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, or just fancy a cultural road trip, these exhibitions offer a fantastic snapshot of the vibrant art scene in India.

Remember, in the world of art, as in life, it’s not about understanding everything – it’s about experiencing it. So go forth, brave art adventurers, and may your August be filled with beautiful visuals, challenging ideas, and minimal monsoon-induced frizzy hair!