Ahmedabad recently became the epicenter of India's rich artistic narrative as the ten-day exhibition, Vibrant Hues, transformed the city's cultural scene. Held from December 12 to 21, 2025, at the Urmila Kailash Black Box in Navrangpura, the event presented a profound exploration of contrast, memory, and creative experimentation, drawing art enthusiasts into a deeply engaging space.
A Confluence of Generations and Genres
Curated by Kiran K. Mohan, the exhibition masterfully wove together the legacies of Masters, the perspectives of senior contemporary artists, and the fresh voices of emerging talents. This created a dynamic, multi-layered dialogue that transcended mediums and artistic temperaments. The collection was not designed for mere spectacle but to foster observation and reflection, encouraging viewers to slow down and connect with the core ideas, emotions, and forms presented.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Madhu Banthia, Chairperson of FICCI FLO, who graced the event as the chief guest. The displayed works spanned a wide emotional and thematic range, from introspective and darker subjects to sharp satire and bold formal innovation. Paintings, intricate works on paper, and sculptures filled the venue, each piece revealing a distinct visual language that contributed to the overall tapestry of Indian modern and contemporary art.
The Stellar Assembly of Artistic Luminaries
The strength of Vibrant Hues lay in its impressive roster of participating artists, which read like a who's who of Indian art history. The list included legendary figures and influential contemporaries such as:
- Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, F. N. Souza, and Bhupen Khakhar
- Ram Kumar, Ganesh Haloi, and Jogen Chowdhury
- Jagdish Swaminathan, Jeram Patel, and K. G. Subramanyan
- Prabhakar Kolte, Rekha Hebbar Rao, and Sohan Qadri
- Alongside many other notable names like Achuthan Kudallur, Akkitham Narayanan, and Mainaz Bano.
Reflecting Continuity and Change in Indian Art
Set against Ahmedabad's own layered cultural landscape, Vibrant Hues acted as a mirror, reflecting both the enduring continuity and the dynamic change across different generations of artists. The exhibition successfully demonstrated how India's artistic heritage continues to evolve, with new voices building upon and conversing with established traditions. The careful curation ensured that each work, whether a classic piece or a contemporary experiment, contributed to a cohesive yet diverse narrative about the nation's creative spirit.
The event stands as a significant milestone in Ahmedabad's cultural calendar, proving that there is a growing appetite for thoughtful, curated art experiences that prioritize depth over dazzle. By bringing together such a monumental collection of works and artists under one roof, Vibrant Hues has set a high benchmark for future art exhibitions in the region, celebrating the past, present, and future of Indian artistry in one resonant, ten-day showcase.
