Art and Cultural Events Illuminate Cities Across India
This week brings a vibrant tapestry of artistic and cultural experiences to multiple Indian cities, showcasing everything from contemporary reinterpretations to traditional crafts and immersive musical performances. From Delhi to Chennai, art enthusiasts have numerous opportunities to engage with diverse creative expressions.
Delhi Welcomes Origin Story 2.0 Exhibition
Hyderabad-based contemporary art space Kalakriti Art Gallery is bringing its acclaimed exhibition series to the national capital with Origin Story 2.0 in Delhi. This marks the second edition of this thought-provoking series that focuses on emerging and mid-career artists from across India.
Curated by the visionary Satyajit Dave, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on "ideas of origin, identity and artistic evolution" through diverse visual mediums. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience works by 38 accomplished visual arts practitioners, including notable names like Viraj Khanna and Priyanka Aelay.
The curatorial note explains the exhibition's unique approach: "By bringing ancient craft into dialogue with speculative technology, the exhibition presents a long and interconnected arc of human creativity." This innovative blending of traditional techniques with contemporary concepts creates a compelling narrative about artistic development.
The exhibition will be hosted at Sameksha Art Gallery within the IILM Center for Arts and Ideas in Delhi from 31 January to 8 February, with viewing hours from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.
Ahmedabad Presents Traditional Art with Fragrance Pairings
In Ahmedabad, Baro Art has created a unique sensory experience with their Homegrown Art x Artisanal Fragrance exhibition. This innovative showcase presents a carefully selected collection of traditional Indian artworks while exploring the profound connection between timeless art forms and nature.
The exhibition features diverse regional art traditions including:
- Thangka paintings from Ladakh
- Phad and pichwais from Rajasthan
- Shola and Kalighat patachitras from Bengal
Renowned artists featured in this collection include Anwar Chitrakar, Sanjay Chitara, Ayesha Broacha, and other masters of traditional Indian art forms. What makes this exhibition particularly distinctive is the creative pairing of 12 specific artworks with niche fragrances curated by fragrance expert Vanesha Majithia, creating a multi-sensory artistic experience.
This unique exhibition continues at Urmila Art Gallery within the Kanoria Centre for Arts in Ahmedabad until 1 February, open daily from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Chennai Hosts Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar
Chennai is currently celebrating India's rich craft heritage with the much-anticipated Dastkari Haat Crafts Bazaar. This beloved annual event brings together master artisans from across the country, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore and acquire authentic traditional arts, textiles, and crafts.
The bazaar showcases an impressive array of regional specialties including:
- Pattachitra paintings
- Ikat textiles
- Kalamkari art
- Gond paintings
Located at the NIFT Campus on Rajiv Gandhi Salai in Tharamani, Chennai, the crafts bazaar continues until 5 February with operating hours from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily. This event provides crucial support to traditional artisans while preserving India's diverse craft traditions for future generations.
Mumbai Features Immersive Japanese Music Showcase
HyLo Kalaghoda in Mumbai is preparing to host a powerful and immersive musical experience this evening that spans across three distinctive spaces within the venue. Described as an "immersive, extended musical experience," this showcase promises to transport audiences through sound and performance.
The event will highlight the innovative Rural crew from Japan (known as @rural.jp collective), bringing their unique musical perspective to Mumbai audiences. They will be joined by a carefully curated selection of local artists, creating a fascinating cultural exchange through music.
The musical journey will unfold across HyLo's Terrace, The Listening Room, and the main HyLo floor, offering different auditory experiences in each space. This special showcase takes place at HyLo in Mumbai on 31 January, beginning at 3:03 PM and continuing into the evening.
Delhi Also Offers Italian Culinary Experience
For those seeking gastronomic delights, Delhi presents a special Italian food pop-up curated by Michelin-trained chef Simone Cipriani. This culinary event promises authentic Italian indulgences prepared with expert technique and premium ingredients.
The menu features exquisite dishes including:
- Tagliatelle Alfredo Con Ragù di Pancia di Maiale (Tagliatelle Alfredo with Pork Belly Ragout, Lemon and Parsley)
- Branzino All'isolana (Sea Bass Fillet in Tomato Consommé)
- Peanut Parfait with Passion Fruit Sauce
This Italian culinary experience will be available at Sorrento within the Shangri-La Eros hotel in Delhi from 4 to 10 February, with service during lunch hours (noon to 3 PM) and dinner hours (7 PM to midnight).
These diverse events across India's major cities demonstrate the country's thriving cultural landscape, offering something for every artistic and cultural preference while supporting both traditional and contemporary creative expressions.
