Exhibition: Women of Urban India

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Alliance Française de Delhi will host Women of Urban India, a striking art installation by Franco-Indian artist Olympe Ramakrishna. The exhibition, featuring twelve powerful feminine portraits, will be on display from March 8 to 18, at Galerie Romain Rolland.

Suspended like saris drying on terraces, Olympe’s portraits are printed on large-scale panels of dupion silk, blending deep European tones with the vibrant hues of India. The series captures the strength, resilience, and individuality of contemporary Indian women navigating tradition and modernity in urban landscapes.

“My work is a tribute to the quiet strength of middle-class Indian women between 20 and 40,” says Olympe. “Each portrait tells a story of resilience and evolving identities.”

Among the subjects is Sneha, a lawyer depicted in a regal Maratha-inspired attire reminiscent of Bernard Boutet de Monvel’s famous portrait of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar. Other models include Lux, Roopashree, Romi, Shushika, Charisma, Kavitha, Chandu, Arpitha, Hitha, and Deepti—each portrayed with a distinct presence.

Born in Normandy, Olympe honed her skills in Paris at the Beaux-Arts and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, drawing inspiration from European masters like Ingres, Rousseau, and Gauguin. Her work fuses European artistry with Indian cultural motifs, creating a unique cross-cultural dialogue.

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Curator Shankar Tripathi describes the exhibition as “a soaring presence that imbues the gallery with atmosphere and delight.” The installation offers viewers an immersive experience where the silk panels move fluidly, reinforcing the dynamic nature of Olympe’s subjects.

The exhibition is open to all, inviting art lovers to explore a contemporary vision of femininity in urban India.

When:  March 8 to 18

Where: Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi