The Dhoomimal Art Centre Presents “Away in a Manger” Exhibition
The Dhoomimal Art Centre in the capital city is all set to spread the festive cheer with its latest exhibition, “Away in a Manger.” This unique show offers a contemporary twist to the traditional art and aesthetics associated with Christmas. Featuring Christmas ornaments by 49 renowned artists and larger-than-life Christmas trees, this exhibition promises to be a delightful experience for art enthusiasts and festive celebrants alike.
Curating the Show
Curated by Georgina Maddox, the exhibition came to life after art gallery director Mohit Jain invited artists to showcase their interpretations of Christmas. Georgina, who spent three months curating the show, believes that celebrating festivals in an art space underscores the plurality of our nation in a light-hearted manner without losing the essence of the festivities.
Masterful Art at Accessible Prices
In the true Yuletide spirit of giving, the exhibition offers masterful art at accessible prices, ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹30,000. This not only makes the exhibition a memorable journey but also provides a chance to collect unique pieces that transcend generations, says Mohit.
Renowned Artists and Their Unique Interpretations
The exhibition features artwork by renowned artists, each offering their unique interpretations of Christmas. Artist Vasundhara Tewari Broota, for example, has painted a gold leaf-covered reindeer in the snow, with the sky filled with stars and decorative elements, evoking the Christmas spirit through red, gold, and silver colors in each work.
Kanchan Chander, known for her imaginative fusing of popular culture with high art, has depicted her Christmas experience in a selection of festive motifs. Abbas Batliwala attributed his trademark, the peeping eye, to the visage of Santa Claus, and Shahid Parvez has created a vigorous collage of imagery to convey the spirit of the festival through his unique style.
Artists’ Perspective
According to artist Seema Kohli, the exhibition brought back childhood memories of working on an ornament meant for Christmas. She found the idea intriguing and enjoyed the process of creating her unique piece, choosing a hexagon shape for its interesting appeal.
Swapan Bhandary’s work reminds viewers of the stained-glass artwork typical of the pre-Renaissance era, while Megha Joshi adds Islamic motifs and Hindu ritual materials to the decorations, celebrating a common faith of humans.
Nurturing Festive Culture in the Gallery Space
Georgina Maddox highlights the importance of celebrating all festivals and bringing their culture into the gallery space. The artists’ diverse interpretations and creative expressions provide a refreshing experience, and the exhibition serves as a visual celebration echoing the warmth of Christmas festivities.
Visit the Dhoomimal Art Centre
Head over to the Dhoomimal Art Centre at 8-A Connaught Place to immerse yourself in the “Away in a Manger” exhibition, which will be on display until January 6, 2024. The timings are from 11 am to 7 pm starting from December 12, 2023.
By bringing the festivities in a thought-provoking and artistic manner, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and collect timeless art pieces that capture the essence of the season. With a diverse range of artwork on display, this exhibition promises to be a visual treat for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
