Explore Delhi’s best art shows this week—Caravaggio’s Baroque masterpiece, Buddhist thangka by Chodak, Jyoti Bhatt’s prints, Varad Bang’s cinematic art, and rare Company paintings at DAG.
Some might say the art season dwindles down in the summer months, but this doesn’t seem true going by our calendars full of invites to art exhibitions. In this round-up post, we sift through everything and sort out the best of the lot for you.
‘Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy’ by Caravaggio:
It is indeed rare for an Italian master artist’s work to be on display in India. But the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in collaboration with the Cultural Centre of the Italian Embassy has managed this seemingly impossible task by bringing Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s ‘Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy’, painted around 1606, to Delhi. “It’s the first time a Caravaggio painting has come to India. This landmark exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the mastery of one of the Baroque era’s most influential artists. Caravaggio upended the traditional canons of his time, introducing in his works models from real life and a cinematic lighting,” explains the Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli.
Caravaggio was best known for his use of light and shadow, which he honed during the Baroque period of art using emotive realism and a masterful technique. This particular piece has been described as a “poignant depiction of spiritual transcendence, exemplifying his signature chiaroscuro.”
On display at KNMA, Saket, till May 18.
Oneness: Exploring Universal Values by Anay Ngawang Chodak:
Tibetan artist Anay Ngawang Chodak calls his paintings spiritual offerings, because they are “a way to share the essence of the teachings of Buddha beyond words, of embodying Buddhist philosophy instead of simply depicting it.” A master of the Buddhist art tradition of thangka painting which depicts deities and scenes from the life of the Buddha, Chodak has been artist-in-residence at the Dalai Lama’s abode from 2003 to 2021. His first solo show in India has been widely appreciated as it presents art at the intersection of traditional methods and contemporary expression that explores compassion and wisdom. He uses intricate techniques to create work rich in the symbolism of interconnectedness, in itself a representation of the spirited and meaningful Buddhist philosophical expressions.
On display at Arushi Arts New Delhi, Greater Kailash II, till May 12.
Jyoti Bhatt: Through the Line & the Lens:
Jyotindra Manshankar Bhatt or Jyoti Bhatt, as he is better known, is one of India’s most distinguished printmakers, photographers and educators. The expansive retrospective of his work at LATITUDE 28 features a selection of his etchings, lithographs, serigraphs, photographs and personal writings which present a rare insight into his artistic philosophy and engagement with Indian folk and craft traditions. Curated by renowned artist Rekha Rodwittiya, the show explores Bhatt’s lifelong practice focused on printmaking, visual documentation and critical commentary through a mix of his iconic prints and some lesser-known but significant photographic works.
On display at Gallery LATITUDE 28, Lado Sarai, till May 25.
4. The Weight of Love by Varad Bang:
This solo exhibition by young contemporary artist Varad Bang focuses on provocative works inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s film, ‘In the Mood for Love’. It explores themes of longing and nostalgia. Bang looks to European masters for his technique and is particularly inspired by Vermeer’s interiors and neon-lit cityscapes. To further enhance the experience, designer Sumant Jayakrishnan has transformed the gallery to create an immersive cinematic show.
“Bang’s work is an exploration of memory and perception, reinterpreting the cinematic language of Wong Kar Wai through a painterly lens. This exhibition is not just about homage; it’s about the transformation of moving images into still, contemplative moments. By distilling the essence of fleeting glances, solitude, and unvoiced yearnings, Bang challenges the boundaries between film and fine art, inviting viewers to engage with cinema in an entirely new way. ‘The Weight of Love’ transcends nostalgia, offering a fresh lens on the eternal beauty of human connection,” say co-founders of Gallery Pristine Contemporary, Arjun Sawhney and Arjun Butani.
On display at Gallery Pristine Contemporary, South Extension I, till May 11.
A Treasury of Life: Indian Company Paintings c. 1795–1830:
Company paintings made during the early and mid-portion of the British empire offer fascinating insight into this period of history. Described as an “underexplored genre representing a remarkable moment in Indian art history”, these works are finally getting their due in this sweeping exhibition titled ‘A Treasury of Life’.
“This exhibition looks at how Indian artists responded to the demands of their Western patrons, creating entirely new templates of Indian art. It is a continuation of DAG’s long-standing commitment to bringing greater recognition to Company painting,” says Ashish Anand of DAG. The exhibition seeks to expand the conversation on this subject to highlight the full scope of Company painting and its significance in the evolution of Indian art.
On display at DAG, Janpath, till July 5.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.