INNOCENCE TO INNOVATION – Switching Chairs

Our lives are woven from stories—memories of childhood, moments of solitude, and an ever-evolving world. Growing up in Rourkela, my days were filled with nature’s simplicity. My father, a pattern maker at a steel plant, built me a small wooden chair and asked what color I wanted. Without hesitation, I chose

 Gulabi (pink)—perhaps drawn from the roses in our garden. That chair became my throne of imagination, where I played fearlessly with earthworms and dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot.

During the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown, memories of that pink chair resurfaced. The world was confined—thinking, waiting, adapting—while outside, animals roamed free. This contrast inspired my hybrid beings, part human, part animal, seated on symbolic chairs. The chair became more than an object; it embodied authority, longing, and transformation.

Artist Jasbinder Singh

Over the years, I have witnessed a dramatic shift—from an era without television or computers to a world shaped by artificial intelligence. As we embrace technology, we drift from innocence, becoming mechanical, detached from nature. My art captures this transition, juxtaposing childhood purity with a surreal, hybrid future.

In my work, the chair is not just furniture—it is an observer, absorbing the essence of those who sit on it, whether a child, teacher, businessman, or leader. It reflects power, vulnerability, greed, and wisdom.

Art, design, and technology must coexist with nature in balance. As we move forward, I ask: Who truly holds the power—the person sitting on the chair, or the chair itself?

“MONKS” Solo Show of Paintings by well-known artist Vijay Kiyawat in Jehangir Art Gallery

Artist - Vijay Kiyawat

Born in 1946, Vijay Kiyawat is a recognised contemporary artist celebrated for his distinctive watercolours. His paintings are adorning the walls of corporates like Goldman Sachs, and art lovers in Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Germany, Guyana, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Unites States, and of course India.

An IIT-trained engineer and corporate CEO for over four decades, Kiyawat embraced his artistic journey later in life, drawing on a unique fusion of analytical precision and creative expression. Kiyawat’s artistic foundation was shaped through mentorship under esteemed artists including Manish Pushkale, Vasundhara Tewari Broota, Late Surinder Kaur, and Rajesh Sharma in Delhi, Julie Cohn in Berkeley, California, and Raymond Yap at NAFA-Singapore.

His works reflect an enduring connection with nature, influenced by the lush gardens, trees, and flowers of Delhi. Describing watercolour as his "spiritual medium," Kiyawat's paintings resonate with optimism, serenity, and a touch of surrealism. His inspirations stem from literature, his extensive travels, and the study of nature. His compositions weave narratives and philosophies, inviting viewers into a world of soft, vibrant colours and intriguing mysteries. Admirers of his art affectionately refer to them as "Happy Paintings," a testament to their uplifting impact.Kiyawat’s works have been exhibited nationally and internationally. Notably, the AIFACS and Camlin have showcased his art multiple times through national competitions, and his participation in senior artists’ camps organised by AIFACS further highlights his stature in the art community. His solo exhibitions span New Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, while his group shows have reached audiences in India, London, the United States, and Singapore.

In 2014, his exhibition at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi was featured in their annual journal. His dedication to promoting art extends to his nomination as a Member-General Council of Sahitya Kala Parishad (SKP), an academy of the Delhi Government. Through his art, Vijay Kiyawat exemplifies the harmonious blending of analytical precision and boundless creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary art world. Beyond painting, Kiyawat is a passionate pianist and avid birdwatcher.

From: 24^th February to 2^nd March 2025

“MONKS”

Legends & Traditions

Solo Show of Paintings by well-known artist Vijay Kiyawat

 

VENUE:

Jehangir Art Gallery

61-B, M.G. Road

Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001

Timing: 11am to 7pm.

Contact: +91 98100 38212

“Home & Abroad” A Painting and a Thought An Exhibition of recent work by artist Dr. Mohan Luthra

 

Artist Dr. Mohan Luthra

Mumbai’s Jehangir Art Gallery is set to host Home & Abroad – A Painting and a Thought, the latest exhibition by Dr. Mohan Luthra, a London-based artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and socially reflective art. Running from February 17–23, 2025, the exhibition explores the connection between place, memory, and artistic expression.

For decades, Dr. Luthra lived and worked in London’s civil sector, balancing his passion for art with public service. In recent years, he has spent winters in Goa and Vadodara, sharing a studio and immersing himself in both painting and sculpture. His artistic approach is deeply influenced by his background in governance and cultural inquiry, blending aesthetics with reflections on history, environment, and identity.

What sets Home & Abroad apart is its fusion of art and poetry. Each painting is accompanied by a poetic verse or narrative, penned by the artist himself. These lyrical reflections enhance the depth of the artwork, offering a multisensory experience that merges the visual with the literary. His verses are not just descriptions but meditations on time, change, and human connection.

The collection spans a range of ‘scapes’—landscapes, cityscapes, and even waste scapes. His works depict iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the canals of Venice, and Richmond Bridge, but beyond their beauty, they tell layered stories. The Taj Mahal, for instance, symbolizes eternal love, yet its painting also alludes to environmental decay and pollution. His depiction of Venice highlights both its romantic charm and its slow submersion due to climate change. Each piece encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the evolving human imprint on these places.

Unlike many artists who adhere to a fixed aesthetic, Dr. Luthra embraces fluidity, believing that an artist should let form follow theme rather than be confined to a singular style. His mixed-media practice blends acrylics and watercolors, merging the soft luminosity of English watercolor traditions with the bold expressiveness of Indian artistic heritage.

His previous exhibitions in major Indian fine art galleries have received critical acclaim. Seema Bawa of AIFACS, Delhi, praised his ability to capture both local and global issues with depth and clarity. Padma Shri awardee Prof. Biman B. Das, Chairperson of AIFACS, described his work as “simple, elegant, and deeply thoughtful.” Senior artist Sidharth called his art “refreshing contemporary thinking with a passion for social commentary.”

More than a collection of paintings, Home & Abroad is a journey across time and geography, a conversation between brushstrokes and words, between past and present. It invites viewers to reflect, remember, and reimagine. Through this exhibition, Dr. Luthra once again proves that art is not just about capturing beauty but about storytelling, contemplation, and change.

Jehangir Art Gallery

161-B, M.G. Road

Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 001

Timing: 11am to 7pm

Contact: +91 9910287876

"GULZAR" 8th Solo Show of Paintings by renowned artist Virendra Chopde in Kismat Art Gallery

Solo exhibition of paintings by a contemporary Renowned artist, Virendra Chopde will be held at Kismat Art Gallery, 11, Dena Bank Building, 3rd Pasta Lane, opposite Colaba Market, Mumbai 400005 from 13th to 16th February 2025 between 11 am to 7 pm.

 

This exhibition will be inaugurated on 13th February 2025 at 5.30pm by Chief Guest Philip Dmello(Eminent Artist), Guest of Honor Vinita Mirchandani, Owner of Gallery Studio 3

Artist: Virendra Chopde

 

Virendra Chopde hails from Kamptee. He had his art education degrees from Rashtrasanta Tukdoji Maharaj University, Nagpur like BFA Drawing / Painting in 2002, M.F.A – Drawing / Painting in 2005 and Diploma Art Education in 2005 in Mumbai. He was a recipient of several meritorious awards and prizes during his student days at Government Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya Nagpur and thereafter as well as during his illustrious art journey spanning over 2 decades from various art promotional institutions of national and international reputation. He actively participated in several art shows, workshops, camps etc at Nagpur, Mumbai, Ujjain, Pune, Jodhpur, Khajuraho – M.P., New Delhi, Chennai, Dhanbad, Bhopal, Kamptee, Baramati, Manali – M.P. , Chandrapur etc. His presentations in these art shows were highly applauded which duly inspired him for the future. His works are in proud collection of many prominent art collectors in India and abroad.

The present series in Acrylic on canvas illustrates his deep attachment with Nature and its many wonders in different seasons having conducive environments as well as human emotions in sensitive minds of young women or ladies. He has adopted a minimalistic approach in his creations which are also having simplicity and clarity as well as transparency achieved through relevant aesthetic sense and spirits. He has exemplified subtle nuances of shape, form, texture, colour, tonal harmony through the textures and the aroma and fragrance of the desired visual effects achieved in the apt perspectives of visual arts. He has mostly focused on vivid human emotions in a sensitive mind like love, friendship, innocence, devotion, excitement, memories, greed, anger, sadness, pain etc alongwith happiness, joy, exhilaration, anticipation (waiting) and many more. His works reveal visual experience of flowers like champa / Chameli etc along which scent aroma and freshness emanating therefrom that, in turn, leave an everlasting and profound visual impact on human mind in apt perspectives. The works also highlight the artistic visual language of artistic expressions to focus on the desired visual perspectives of ecstasy and aesthetics in the creative endeavor which always share  a dialogue with the viewers leading to their appreciation and encouraging response.

From:13th to 16th February 2025 

"GULZAR"

8th Solo show of paintings from the series of Chhapkhana Group by renowned artist Virendra Chopde

 

 

VENUE: 

Kismat Art Gallery 

11, Dena Bank Building, 

3rd Pasta Lane, Opp. Colaba Market 

Colaba, Mumbai 400 005 

Timing: 10am to 7pm. 

www.chhapkhanagroup.com 

Contact: +91 8087004700

 

Art Continuum: A Journey Through Artistic Expression

 National Level Art Exhibition - Participating artists are from Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujrat, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Goa

 

This Grand exhibition is a harmonious convergence of 25 revered contemporary artists, hailing from the present art world. The talented and renowned artists participating in this exhibition include Mohan Naik, Pradip Sarkar, Kappari Kishan, Bhiva Punekar, Shashikant Patade, Chandrakant Tajbije, Ravindra Toravane, H.R. Das, Pravin Utge, Nilesh Dada Nikam, Paras Parmar, Mamta Rajesh Bora, Dr. Shefali Bhujbal, Deepak Garud, Damodar Madgaonkar, Mohit Naik, Jayshree Savani, Medha Nerurkar, Qureysh Basrai, Mita Vora, Taslim Jamal Sona, Rakhee Shah, Seema Shah, Shailesh Gurav, Paneri Punekar among Others  

 

Visual Art forges connections between knowledge, culture, and expression. While its visual impact remains undeniable, the true catalyst for artistic evolution lies in the platforms that nurture creativity. It is within these dynamic spaces that emerging talent finds its voice and established artists receive due recognition.

With this philosophy, the Artival Foundation presents Art Continuum, an ambitious, nationwide exhibition that fosters artistic inclusivity. Started by Satish Patil and Shard Gurav in 2018, the foundation serves as a non-commercial sanctuary for artists, championing both contemporary and indigenous art forms. With a commitment to amplifying voices often overshadowed in mainstream narratives—particularly folk and tribal artists—Artival provides a vital space for artistic exchange and appreciation.

Having begun its journey at the Visual Art Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi in 2024, Art Continuum will embark on a national tour, celebrating the diverse artistic landscapes of India. The upcoming Mumbai leg at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery marks a significant milestone in this journey. This prestigious venue will host a compelling selection of works by contemporary visual artists, uniting urban and rural artistic expressions under one roof.

Beyond an exhibition, Art Continuum embodies an ethos of accessibility, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. A portion of the proceeds from artwork sales will be donated to the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), reinforcing Artival’s commitment to social impact. The show invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the public to engage in a transformative experience that bridges tradition and modernity. As Art Continuum arrives in Mumbai, it reaffirms the profound, enduring relationship between humanity and artistic expression—a celebration of creativity, heritage, and collective consciousness.

VENUE

Nehru Centre Art Gallery

Dr. Annie Besant Road

Worli, Mumbai 400018

Timing: 11am to 7pm

 

For More Details 

CALL / WHATSAPP 

+ 91 9920804573

+ 91 9833949788