Gallery Espace in New Delhi is hosting “Ancestral Futures”, a group exhibition curated by Swiss curator Damien Christinger, as part of its 35th-anniversary celebrations. The exhibition runs from October 19 to December 12, and features works from artists including Arunkumar HG, Ashish Sahoo, Ashok Ahuja, Harendra Kushwaha, Ishita Chakraborty, Nandini Bagla Chirimar, Maze Collective, Michael Guenzberger, Ravi Agarwal, Sharad Sonkusale, Sonia Mehra Chawla, Ujjal Dey, and Ursula Biemann.
“Ancestral Futures” reflects on the gallery’s contributions to contemporary Indian art over the past 35 years, while also examining the future of art practices. The exhibition brings an outside perspective on the gallery’s role in the art world, highlighting the connection between its past and the evolving nature of artistic expression today.
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Curator Damien Christinger frames the concept of “ancestral futures,” originally coined by Brazilian thinker Ailton Krenak, as a reflection on how ancestral histories influence our understanding of time and identity. He explains, “The exhibition explores how artists engage with their cultural narratives while imagining future possibilities, challenging contemporary issues and reflecting on potential trajectories.”
Renu Modi, Founder and Director of Gallery Espace, points out that the exhibition offers a unique connection between the gallery’s past and present. She notes, “Damien Christinger’s curatorial premise provides an outside view of Gallery Espace’s history, while looking at contemporary Indian art over the last 35 years.” Modi also highlights key artworks in the exhibition, including Harendra Kushwaha’s large mobile, which extends his practice with paper into new directions, and Arunkumar HG’s series of lenticular prints addressing environmental degradation in the Western Ghats.
“Ancestral Futures” provides a platform for reflection on how the past, present, and future intertwine, inviting viewers to consider the evolution of art and culture through diverse artistic expressions.
When: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; October 19 to December 12
Where: Gallery Espace, New Delhi
