Major Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art Opens at Bikaner House in New Delhi
A substantial group exhibition that brings together established and emerging artistic voices from across India was inaugurated at the LTC Gallery, located within the historic Bikaner House in New Delhi, on January 9th. The exhibition provides a comprehensive and wide-ranging perspective on contemporary Indian art, drawing predominantly from an extensive private collection.
Exhibition Details and Curatorial Vision
Presented by the International Creative Art Centre (ICAC), which has bases in both Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the exhibition is titled Melodious, Pure and True. It features an impressive collection of works created by thirty-five talented artists and has been thoughtfully curated by the renowned art historian, Johny ML. A considerable segment of the artworks displayed originates from the personal collection of ICAC founder, Ravindra Mardia, an industrialist and dedicated art collector who has meticulously assembled a collection of nearly ten thousand works over many years.
From this vast archive, Mardia collaborated with curator Johny ML to select nineteen artists, complemented by several others whose artistic practices collectively reflect the remarkable breadth and diversity of current artistic expression throughout India. The participating artists represent a dynamic mix of senior practitioners and promising younger voices, creating a rich dialogue between generations.
Featured Artists and Collection Philosophy
The exhibition showcases works by a distinguished roster of artists including Chandra Bhattacharya, Manish Pushkale, Surya Prakash, Prem Singh, Yusuf, Sangeeta Gupta, Yashwant Deshmukh, Hemant Dhane, Mainaz Bano, Sunil Padwal, Nilesh Vede, Vinod Sharma, Sanju Jain, Virangana Soni, Rajesh Dev, Rashmi Khurana, Abid Zaidi, Shanmuk Tamada, Santosh Verma, Shabana Quadri, Ashok Bhowmick, Kanchan Chander, Neerja Chandana Peters, Ritu Singh, Harpreet Singh, Udayakumar T R, among others.
Speaking about the exhibition and his collection, Ravindra Mardia emphasized that his assemblage has been shaped by long-term engagement with artists and their creative ideas, rather than mere acquisition. He highlighted that while the collection includes significant works by established figures who have profoundly influenced modern Indian art, it also actively features emerging artists whose intensity, originality, and innovative approaches he believes will shape the future trajectory of the artistic field.
Curatorial Theme and Opening Event
Curator Johny ML framed the exhibition around the powerful and resonant theme of hope, reflecting on the inherent contradictions of contemporary life marked by both uncertainty and everyday resilience. In his insightful catalogue essay, he eloquently described how ordinary moments and familiar sounds anchor individuals amid social and political fragility, and how this quiet, persistent strength finds vivid expression across the diverse works on display.
The exhibition opened in the presence of numerous esteemed art professionals, scholars, and enthusiasts, including Kiran Mohan, Vladimir Zaistev, Sushma Bahl, and Naseer Abdullah, alongside the founder and curator. It remained on view for the public until January 13th, successfully drawing audiences to one of Delhi's premier cultural venues. The event offered a valuable and compelling snapshot of the rich diversity and vibrant energy that characterizes contemporary Indian art practice today, serving as a significant cultural moment in the capital's art calendar.
