Raseel Gujral Art Legacy Launches 'Dakhin | Dilli' Exhibition Celebrating India's Devotional Art Traditions
The Raseel Gujral Art Legacy has brought to life the exhibition 'Dakhin | Dilli - A Sacred Dialogue', a profound celebration of devotional and artistic exchange across India, from the Deccan region to the North. This immersive showcase is being held at the prestigious Arzaani Atelier Privé, located within Bikaner House in New Delhi, with an exclusive preview event scheduled for April 10, 2026.
A Luminous Journey Through India's Spiritual Visual Culture
Across the vast and diverse canvas of the Indian subcontinent, devotion has meticulously etched a luminous and richly varied visual culture, enabling an intricate and continuous dialogue between the divine and the earthly realms. This exhibition, masterfully curated by the renowned Raseel Gujral Ansal, brings together these deep-rooted devotional traditions from both North and South India, revealing how distinct artistic languages have blossomed from a shared wellspring of spiritual imagination and creativity.
It is an evocative and transformative journey through luminous temple icons, poetic narrative paintings, ritual objects, and guardian figures, each piece representing a unique act of devotion captured meticulously in form, colour, and exquisite craftsmanship. Sacred ideas and artistic expressions have travelled ceaselessly between Dakhin and Dilli, carried along ancient pilgrimage routes, woven through vibrant historical trading networks, and exchanged in royal courts and temples over centuries.
Prestigious Preview Event Attended by Dignitaries and Celebrities
The preview event was graced by the presence of Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Minister of Food and Supplies, Forest and Environment, and Industries, alongside MLA Anil Sharma. The gathering also included a host of notable guests such as Manu Mansheet Rai, Nikhil, Sunil Sethi, Nandini Singh Jhabua, Samar Singh Jodha, and Shazia Ilmi, among others, highlighting the exhibition's cultural significance.
"Through this curation, we explore the visual language of faith where the intricate detailing of the South meets the lyrical artistry of the North. It is a celebration of the Sacred; not just as a subject, but as a living and breathing aesthetic that continues to shape our cultural identity profoundly," shared Raseel Gujral Ansal, emphasizing the exhibition's core theme.
Showcasing Southern Artistic Devotion: Tanjore and Mysore Paintings
Depicting the revered traditions of Southern artistic devotion, the exhibition features stunning Tanjore and Mysore paintings that present deities as radiant, eternal presences. Adorned with gold leaf, ornate embellishments, and semi-precious stones, these luminous icons evoke the sanctity and grandeur of temple shrines.
Some of the iconic Tanjore works on display include:
- The Raghunathan Swami (depicting reclining Vishnu with Sridevi, Bhudevi, Hanuman, and Garuda)
- The Nandi
- The Panchmukhi Hanuman
- Krishna
- Asht Laxmi
- The Vishnu Dasavataram
Complementing these luminous Tanjore icons are the exquisite Mysore Reverse Glass Paintings, a delicate and rare art form that originated in the princely state of Mysore. Created by applying tempera paint to the back of glass panes, these paintings depict divine narratives, deities, and mythological scenes with remarkable precision and vivid colour.
Notable Mysore Reverse Glass pieces featured include:
- Yashodha and Krishna
- Venugopala
- Bala Krishna
Raja Ravi Varma's Legacy and Northern Devotional Forms
Shaped significantly by royal patronage, Raja Ravi Varma's illustrious artistic journey is highlighted, during which he worked relentlessly to make the sacred accessible to the masses. His printing press produced oleographs that were reproductions of his original artworks, bringing divine figures into everyday homes across India.
Iconic oleographs by Raja Ravi Varma on display include:
- Lakshmi
- Shree Ram Panchayatan
- Saraswati
- Mohini
- Venu Gopal
- Radha Rukmani
In the Northern tradition, devotional forms such as Pichwai animate divine narratives from the pastoral realms of Vrindavan, imbued with movement, melody, and poetic fervor. These intricate works evoke a sacred landscape where Krishna moves among devotees, cows, forests, and rivers, crafting a realm alive with music, celebration, and heartfelt surrender.
Echoing the spirit of the Bhakti movement, the exhibition features pieces like:
- Vintage Khejri
- Vintage Sharad
- Bhav Mandal
- Shrinathji
- Krishna Under Kadam Tree with Gopis
- Sakhis with Kadam Tree
Ritual Objects and the Tangible Connection to Faith
Complementing these visual stories are an array of ritual objects, sacred mounts, guardian figures, and icons, each embodying the lived and followed practices of devotion. Whether utilized within temple ceremonies, vibrant festivals, or intimate domestic altars, these artifacts represent the tactile, visceral connection that sustains faith beyond the purely visual, grounding spirituality in everyday life.
This exhibition not only showcases artistic mastery but also serves as a testament to the enduring dialogue between India's regional devotional traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the sacred through art.
