Dhoomimal Art Centre, one of India’s oldest private galleries, recently held its six-day exhibition Myths & Memories at LTC, Bikaner House, New Delhi. Held from 12th to 17th April 2025, the show featured the works of two contemporary artists—Tanushree Chakraborty and Shahid Parvez—whose distinct artistic practices came together to form a compelling visual conversation between the past and present. Owing to the overwhelming response, the exhibition has been extended and will reopen at Dhoomimal Art Centre from 21st April, running through till 10th May.
The exhibition drew upon the rich traditions of Indian folk art, while offering new interpretations that reflect each artist’s unique relationship with memory, culture, and imagination. Myths & Memories explored how inherited forms can be reimagined through personal narratives and experimental techniques, inviting viewers into layered landscapes of myth, symbolism, and introspection.
Tanushree Chakraborty’s body of work took inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Santhal tribe in Bengal, where storytelling traditions are passed down through both oral history and bodily expression. Her canvases, deeply detailed and symbolic, echoed the spirit of ancient narratives while bringing them into dialogue with the present. Through intricate motifs and bold reimaginings, her work created a space where memory and mythology intersected seamlessly.
In contrast, Shahid Parvez’s works brought a spirit of spontaneity and innocence. Drawing from the folk traditions of the world, his paintings expressed a sense of playfulness layered with emotional depth. His compositions, often built through mixed media and textured layering, reflected not only cultural memory but also the freedom of personal exploration. Together, his pieces offered a counterpoint to Tanushree’s narrative approach—less structured, but equally evocative.
The exhibition opened on 12th April with an intimate evening gathering that brought together members of the art and creative community. Among the attendees were several notable figures, including Himanshu, Payal Motwani, Sanjay Das, Amitava Das, Nupur Kundu, Prem Singh, Shabir Hussain, Manu Mansheet, Sushma Behl, and Kanchan Chander. The evening provided an opportunity for meaningful interactions around the artworks, with many visitors engaging deeply with the themes and techniques explored by the artists.
Over the course of the exhibition, Myths & Memories welcomed a steady flow of art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural commentators. The works on display resonated with a diverse audience, prompting reflection on how the past continues to shape artistic consciousness in the contemporary moment. The visual language of each artist—one rooted in tradition, the other driven by intuition—created a powerful contrast that anchored the exhibition’s theme.
With this presentation, Dhoomimal Art Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting practices that bridge tradition and innovation. Founded in 1936, the gallery continues to offer space for thoughtful, layered exhibitions that celebrate both the depth of Indian artistic heritage and the evolving expressions of modern creators. Myths & Memories stood as a testament to this vision, encouraging audiences to look back, reflect, and reimagine.
