Thapar Gallery Launches SupaStore India Edition at Bikaner House
Thapar Gallery is currently presenting a groundbreaking site-specific project titled India Edition SupaStore x Thapar at the historic Bikaner House in New Delhi. This innovative exhibition, created by the London-based artist Sarah Staton, serves as a key highlight of the India Art Fair Parallel Show 2026, offering a unique fusion of art and commerce.
A Traveling Artwork That Blurs Boundaries
SupaStore is a traveling, event-based artwork conceived by Staton, designed as a hybrid between a shop and an exhibition. Since its inception, it has been hosted in museums, galleries, and project spaces across the globe, challenging traditional art display methods. For its inaugural India edition, the project is housed inside a specially crafted sculptural kiosk at Bikaner House, creating an immersive environment that encourages viewers to rethink how art is shown, exchanged, and experienced.
Featuring Works by Prominent Indian Artists
Within this distinctive space, the exhibition showcases works by four acclaimed Indian artists:
- Gigi Scaria
- Mithu Sen
- Raaj Rufaro
- Vibha Galhotra
Their contributions add a local dimension to SupaStore, exploring themes of identity, commerce, and social interaction. The format not only displays art but also invites participation, making it a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.
Reflecting on Commerce and Identity in Modern Society
SupaStore delves into the role of shopping and branding as markers of identity in contemporary society. It examines how markets function as social spaces for connection and interaction, prompting audiences to consider the intersections of art, economy, and everyday life. This reflective approach aligns with Thapar Gallery's mission to support artistic practices that question established systems.
Insights from Thapar Gallery Director
Ashish Thapar, Director of Thapar Gallery, commented on the presentation, stating, "SupaStore resonates deeply with our interest in artistic practices that question systems of value, exchange, and display, while allowing for a more intimate and participatory way of encountering art. Sarah Staton's work invites audiences to engage with art as a lived, social experience, and presenting the India Edition of SupaStore for the first time at Bikaner House as part of the India Art Fair Parallel Show is an important moment for us."
Curatorial Excellence and Historical Significance
Curated by Jasone Miranda-Bilbao and Vaibhav Raj Shah, this project marks SupaStore's first presentation in India, highlighting its global reach and cultural relevance. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary art projects in the Indian art scene, offering a fresh perspective on exhibition formats and audience engagement.
This exhibition at Bikaner House not only celebrates artistic innovation but also fosters a dialogue about the evolving nature of art consumption and community building in today's world.
