VOICES at Jehangir Art Gallery: 26 Artists, One Shared Conversation Across Borders

Jehangir Art Gallery, one of Mumbai’s most iconic spaces, will host VOICES — a group exhibition that gathers the works of 26 Indian and international artists under one roof. Running from 16th to 24th July 2025, the show is presented by Bespoke Art Gallery from Ahmedabad and curated by noted art historian Uma Nair. The exhibition explores a wide, layered terrain of themes — from mythology and identity to climate, conflict, and culture — through paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, and installations.

This is not an ordinary showcase. VOICES is about dialogue — between tradition and modernity, between form and freedom, between individual voices and shared global concerns. The works move between abstraction and representation, rooted in regional traditions while looking outward at larger questions. There’s no singular aesthetic here — the strength lies in its diversity.

One of the standouts is Arpitha Reddy’s mural-inspired work on the Dashavataras, which pays homage to the Guruvayoor temple tradition of Kerala. Her series of vertical studies on the ten avatars of Vishnu is not just visually striking — it’s technically sound and deeply respectful of the form’s sacred lineage. Alongside this is Muzaffar Ali’s sweeping horizontal piece, Hoshruba, a lyrical work infused with the poetic dynamism of horses — a recurring motif in his visual language. Known more widely for his films, Ali continues to use art as a space for personal and cultural meditation. Two of his recent calligraphy pieces, previously shown in a Delhi solo show curated by Uma Nair, are also part of the exhibition.

This show is a first for Bespoke Art Gallery in Mumbai — and they’re doing it right. From tribal storytelling to contemporary abstraction, from origami-inspired installations to mythic bronze sculptures, the curatorial range is wide without ever feeling scattered. Ankon Mitra brings delicate poetry through paper and folds. Arzan Khambatta’s sculptural works offer a punch of industrial energy. Bhajju Shyam’s Gond art is layered and narrative-rich, drawing from oral traditions that continue to evolve. Harsha Durugadda’s pieces are rooted in form and material, blending discipline with play.

The international presence is just as strong. Timur D’Vatz, known for his mythologically steeped tapestries and a past winner of the Guinness Prize at the Royal Academy, brings a sense of layered storytelling that transcends borders. Uzbekistan’s Bobur Ismailov offers expressive, abstract figuratives that are emotionally charged and painterly. Jesús Curia’s bronze sculptures bring power and poise in equal measure, while Gillie & Marc — the globally recognised artist duo — present their signature works that explore relationships and identity through bold, often playful sculptural forms.

Curator Uma Nair frames VOICES not just as an art exhibition, but as an act of connection. In her words, it’s an attempt to "generate global synergy through art," where every work, every artist, every viewer becomes part of a wider dialogue. She references Jagdish Swaminathan’s insight about the artist’s inner search — the tension between tradition and contemporaneity, abstraction and communication. That sentiment shapes the emotional thread running through the show.

Each work on display seems to ask its own question. Some are quiet, introspective. Others are bold and almost confrontational. But what ties them all together is the clarity of intention and a strong sense of identity. The mediums — canvas, bronze, paper, ceramics — don’t define the work. It’s the thought, the craftsmanship, and the presence that do.

And of course, the location adds its own energy. Jehangir Art Gallery has always been a place where heritage and experimentation can coexist. Hosting VOICES here feels right — not just because of the footfall or the gallery’s history, but because the space allows for nuance. This isn’t a pop-up moment or a social media campaign in disguise. It’s a real exhibition with real weight.

For Bespoke Art Gallery, this marks a significant debut in Mumbai. Coming from Ahmedabad, they bring their own sense of artistic sensitivity — one that values craft, curation, and the careful building of a visual ecosystem. Founder Devin Gawarvala’s collection is a strong anchor for the international section of the show, lending depth and perspective beyond the local context.

VOICES isn’t about trends. It’s about perspectives. About what it means to create in today’s world — with memory, material, and meaning all colliding in one space. Whether you come for the names you know — Muzaffar Ali, Arzan Khambatta, Bhajju Shyam — or discover new voices along the way, this is a show that rewards time and attention. And in the current moment, that kind of slow, deliberate viewing feels more essential than ever.

Date - 16th to 24th July,2025

Venue -  Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai