The city of Ahmedabad is set for a culturally rich December, hosting a diverse array of artistic events that promise to engage and inspire. From intimate gallery viewings and powerful theatrical performances to a large-scale digital immersion, the month offers something for every art enthusiast. Leading the lineup are a solo painting exhibition by veteran artist Gurudas Shenoy, a thought-provoking production by the renowned Darpana Academy, and the final leg of the globally acclaimed Van Gogh Immersive Experience.
Gurudas Shenoy: Fluid Memories of City and Land
Veteran artist Gurudas Shenoy unveils his newest body of work, inviting viewers into evocative cityscapes and landscapes shaped by personal memory, dynamic movement, and the play of light. His canvases masterfully balance structural form with abstraction, where buildings are rendered through fluid, expressive strokes. The colours on display shift evocatively, much like changing skies, while the textures hold layers of both historical resonance and pure imagination.
Returning to thematic landscapes he has explored over decades, Shenoy creates vast terrains where shadows, subtle contours, and atmospheric light serve as emotional markers for the viewer. Although he works primarily in oils, his technique has evolved to cleverly evoke the delicate translucence of watercolour. This approach grants his paintings a surprising lightness and a lyrical depth that captivates the audience.
The exhibition is open to all at the Archer Art Gallery, located on the 1st Floor of Phoenix, near Vijay Crossroads in Navrangpura. It will run from December 5th to December 31st, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Please note that the gallery will remain closed on Sundays.
Darpana's Theatrical Journey: 'Meanwhile Elsewhere'
In a special theatrical treat, Darpana's acclaimed production 'Meanwhile Elsewhere' arrives in Ahmedabad. This performance offers audiences a transportive experience that drifts seamlessly between the realms of dream and memory, exploring the intricate relationship between the city and the self.
Conceived, written, and directed by Yadavan Chandran and produced by Mallika Sarabhai, the work imagines cities as living entities that breathe, crumble, and renew themselves. It stands as a poetic meditation on the distances—both physical and emotional—between people, places, and the unspoken truths that linger between them. The production beautifully blends innovative use of light, movement, choreography, and evocative storytelling, reflecting Darpana's core belief in the arts as a powerful catalyst for personal reflection and social change.
This singular performance will be held on December 5th, starting at 8:30 PM. The venue is the iconic Natarani Amphitheatre at the Darpana Academy in Usmanpura. Entry is open to all members of the public.
Step Inside a Masterpiece: Van Gogh Immersive Experience
Ahmedabad is hosting the final Indian chapter of the wildly popular Van Gogh Immersive Experience. This exhibition is a spectacular 360-degree journey that transforms the Dutch master's iconic paintings into a breathtaking world of swirling colour, enveloping sound, and dynamic light.
Designed across four distinct zones, the experience allows visitors to step directly into Van Gogh's universe. It features a curated gallery of his iconic artworks, a main hall with floor-to-ceiling digital projections that animate his brushstrokes, a neon-lit interactive zone for creative engagement, and an exclusive merchandise store. The overall effect is both deeply cinematic and profoundly immersive, offering a fresh perspective on the artist's legendary work.
This ticketed event is ongoing until December 29th at Palladium Ahmedabad, located opposite Zydus Hospital in Thaltej. Daily timings are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
This December, Ahmedabad's cultural calendar is remarkably vibrant. Art lovers have the unique opportunity to witness the introspective beauty of Gurudas Shenoy's paintings, engage with the reflective theatre of Darpana, and lose themselves in the dazzling digital reimagination of Van Gogh's art. These events highlight the city's growing stature as a significant hub for diverse artistic expressions, providing rich experiences for its residents and visitors alike.
