KIAN Foundation presents "Bhūmi" by Shampa Sircar Das. Cymroza Art Gallery

  KIAN foundation launches with “Bhūmi”

Shampa Sircar Das’s solo art exhibit in Mumbai

Mumbai, India, January 2025 – Kian Foundation: A Legacy of Artistic Excellence

Kian Foundation, originally established as the erstwhile Kian Gallery, traces its roots to the vibrant city of Pune. Founded by Aarti and Siddharth Naik, the foundation has grown into a prominent institution dealing with contemporary and modern art, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation across various platforms. With a deep commitment to supporting artists and art enthusiasts alike, Kian Foundation continues to curate unique exhibitions and initiatives that celebrate artistic expression in all its forms.

Aarti Naik - Curator

KIAN Foundation is delighted to announce its Mumbai debut with bhūmi, a mesmerizing solo art exhibition by celebrated artist Shampa Sircar Das. This landmark event underscores the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to showcasing the richness of Indian art and fostering meaningful connections across diverse audiences.

Curated to bring fresh perspectives to the art world, bhūmi reflects KIAN Foundation’s mission to bridge cultural and geographical divides through art. The exhibition, rooted in the Sanskrit word for "earth," explores humanity’s profound relationship with nature and spirituality, creating a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Under the artistic direction of its founder, Aarti Naik, KIAN Foundation has grown from its Pune origins into a nationwide platform for artistic expression. Aarti’s dedication to connecting talented artists with broader audiences has been instrumental in curating exhibitions that celebrate India’s cultural diversity.

Featuring the works of Delhi-based artist Shampa Sircar Das, bhūmi exemplifies KIAN’s unique ability to unite creative legacies from Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. Shampa Sircar Das’s art, which seamlessly blends Indian heritage with contemporary aesthetics, aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s ethos of celebrating diverse voices while fostering cultural appreciation.

As KIAN Foundation expands its footprint, this exhibition marks the beginning of its presence in Mumbai and paves the way for further growth. With upcoming exclusive shows planned for Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the Foundation’s vision extends beyond national boundaries. KIAN is set to take Indian art to the global stage, with future exhibitions in Amsterdam and Singapore.

Join KIAN Foundation on this inspiring journey as it unites cultures, celebrates creativity, and cultivates a distinguished community of patrons and connoisseurs. Together, we aim to create a world where art transcends boundaries and inspires limitless possibilities.

Be part of our story—where the passion for art meets boundless horizons.

Learn More at www.kianfoundation.com or follow @kianfoundation.india on Instagram.

Event Details:

Exhibition Dates: January 25–31, 2025

Opening Ceremony: January 25, 5:30 PM

Timings: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (Open on Sundays)

Venue: Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai

Join us at bhūmi to experience a fusion of tradition and innovation that captures the essence of life and earth.

For media inquiries:

KIAN Foundation

Email: info@kianfoundation.com | Phone: +91-73787 75057

Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy School of Art (Sir J. J. School of Art), a venerable institution with a legacy of 147 years.

 Recently, the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram in Andhra Pradesh hosted an unprecedented seven-day artists’ gathering. Known as the apex training institute of the Government of India for capacity building in indirect taxation, customs, drug enforcement, and environmental protection, NACIN’s association with art is far from its usual forte. This initiative marked a significant shift, blending the realms of administrative acumen and creative expression, setting the stage for a unique cultural endeavor.

Kiyomi Talaulicar

The event brought together 25 distinguished artists from the iconic Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy School of Art (Sir J. J. School of Art), a venerable institution with a legacy of 147 years. These artists immersed themselves in the vibrant and state-of-the-art campus of NACIN, turning its modern premises into a creative sanctuary. While artists often thrive in the solitude of their studios, this gathering allowed them to paint in open, collaborative spaces, showcasing their craft in full view of peers and visitors alike.

Minal Damani

The week-long artistic engagement fostered more than just creativity—it cultivated a unique camaraderie among the participants. Senior artists, with their depth of experience, shared invaluable insights with the younger cohort, offering a rare glimpse into their creative processes. For mid-career and emerging artists, this interaction served as a masterclass, enriching their perspectives and refining their approaches.

The initiative went beyond the act of painting; it became a celebration of artistic diversity and an exploration of the synergies between tradition and innovation. The event bridged generational gaps, unveiling the “methods and madnesses” of creative minds while revealing the fragilities and eccentricities that define their art.

Niyatee Shinde

By inviting art into its fold, NACIN not only honoured the legacy of the Sir J. J. School of Art but also redefined its own narrative, embracing a multidimensional approach to capacity building. This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.

Text by Niyatee Shinde

Mumbai

Retrospective ShowVeteran Artist Vipta Kapadia’s I Contours of Infinity I at Jehangir Art Gallery

 Veteran Artist Vipta Kapadia’s Retrospective Exhibition – Contours of Infinity

21st January – 27th January 2025 | at Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

‘Contours of Infinity,’ is a solo retrospective showcasing the celebrated artist Vipta Kapadia's five decades of extraordinary work. Curated by Sushma Sabnis, this monumental exhibition runs from 21st to 27th January 2025 and offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the evolution of Kapadia’s iconic artistic journey.

Artist: Vipta Kapadia  

Kapadia's evolution, beginning with early abstract works and culminating in masterful multi-layered compositions, has redefined the expressive language of contemporary Indian art. This exhibition celebrates the artist's lifelong commitment to exploring the emotional and cultural subtleties of abstraction, providing viewers with an exceptional overview of her extensive body of work. With her works spanning oil and acrylic on canvas, enamel on metal, and mixed media, Kapadia’s art continues to evoke visceral responses, blending the poetic with the profound.

Vipta Kapadia, a graduate of Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, embarked on her artistic journey in the 1970s amidst a burgeoning wave of modernism. Inspired by post-independence Indian art movements and global Abstract Expressionism, her artwork incorporates vivid colours, complex textures, and symbolic motifs that appeal to both Eastern and Western sensibilities. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of creativity, demonstrating a balance between dynamic experimentation and a strong connection to her Indian cultural heritage.

Kapadia shows remarkable adaptability and innovation through her engagement with an array of media, including traditional canvases and unconventional materials like old vinyl records and metal. Her enamel works, a part of this display, offer a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow, reflecting her fearless embrace of the unpredictable alchemy of art-making.

In the words of curator Sushma Sabnis, ‘this retrospective transcends a mere art collection. Kapadia's artworks call forth landscapes of memory, nostalgia and imagination, transforming abstract shapes into concrete representations of life's journey.’ With themes ranging from nature’s delicate balance to the relentless pace of urban transformation, each artwork serves as a nuanced, intimate dialogue between the artist and her viewers.

The exhibition also celebrates Kapadia’s role as an educator and mentor, whose community engagement has brought art into the lives of diverse audiences. Her belief in art’s transformative potential transcends elitism, forging connections that blur the boundaries between the self and the world.

Join us as we honour veteran artist  Vipta Kapadia’s unparalleled contribution to Indian art. Contours of Infinity is a celebration of her artistic vision and a reflection of the resilience and adaptability that define her legacy.

Exhibition Details:
Dates: 21st January – 27th January 2025 Venue: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

(11am - 7 pm)

Curator: Sushma Sabnis

For further information, interviews, or press inquiries, please contact:
Email: artist_viptakapadia@rediffmail.com
Website: www.viptakapadia.com
Mobile: +91-9820240103

“Inner Tranquility” “Inner Tranquility” Solo Show of Paintings by Renowned artist Nilesh Nikam in Jehangir

 Inner Tranquility is a solo exhibition by the artist Nilesh Dada Nikam, who is renowned for his ability to translate abstract spiritual and religious concepts into evocative visual experiences. Through his latest body of work, Nikam invites viewers to delve into a deep exploration of spirituality, harmony, and the human psyche.

Artist: Nilesh Nikam

Rooted in abstraction yet pulsating with energy, Nikam’s art captures the essence of Stillness (tranquility) in a chaotic world. His works, characterised by intricate textures, layers of colours, and geometrical and rhythmic forms, evoke a meditative resonance. Using a diverse palette of earthy and ethereal tones, the canvases pulsate with a quiet energy, offering a sensory and contemplative experience.

The title Inner Tranquility reflects the artist’s journey toward achieving a serene equilibrium amid life’s dynamic tensions. Each piece is imbued with a sense of balance, drawing inspiration from the natural world and metaphysical concepts. Nikam’s mastery lies in his ability to balance abstraction and corporeal worlds, allowing viewers to interpret and internalise his art in deeply personal ways.

This exhibition also highlights the artist’s distinctive use of texture, where layers of pigment and gestural strokes create a tactile depth, a mesmerising spiral energetic movement, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the narrative embedded within each canvas. The works serve as a visual sanctuary, urging us to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with our inner selves.

Inner Tranquility is an experience that resonates with the universal quest for peace and understanding. Artist Nilesh Dada Nikam’s unique voice, deeply rooted in spiritual inquiry, promises to captivate both seasoned art connoisseurs and new admirers.

Sushma Sabnis

Mumbai

27^th December 2024

Press Release

From: 20^th to 26^th January 2025

“Inner Tranquility” Solo Show of Paintings by Renowned artist Nilesh Nikam

 

VENUE:

Jehangir Art Gallery

161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda,Mumbai 400 001

Timing: 11am to 7pm.