‘Immortal Tales, Fantastical Fables’ : A solo exhibition by Debjani Bhardwaj

Threshold Art Gallery presents Debjani Bhardwaj’s solo exhibition “Immortal Tales, Fantastical Fables” from March 18 to April 18, 2024.

Inspired by Panchatantra tales and Arabian folk stories, Bhardwaj’s exhibition features creatures blurring human-animal lines. Each piece is rich in detail and symbolism, urging viewers into fantasy realms.

Her mastery shines in miniature tunnel books, bringing Panchatantra scenes to life with moral lessons. Light and shadow transport viewers to worlds where animals speak and ancient truths unfold.

Bhardwaj also honours Arabian traditions with tunnel books evoking mystery and wonder. One highlight is her shadow puppet film “Forest Hymn”, which celebrates the bond between humans, animals, and nature.

“I aim to create fantasy worlds that stir curiosity and spark the imagination,” Bhardwaj said. “Through my miniature tunnel books, I breathe life into the timeless stories of the Panchatantra and Arabian folklore, infusing them with vivid imagery and moral lessons.”

Speaking about her installations, Bhardwaj said, “I want viewers to feel as though they are stepping into a magical world, where perspectives shift and illusions abound. My shadow puppet film, inspired by ancient yoga practices, celebrates the harmony between humans, animals, and nature, inviting audiences to contemplate our interconnectedness.”

In her creative process, Bhardwaj sees materials not just as tools, but as entities with their own stories to tell. “Whether I’m working with paper, clay, or glass domes, I treat each material as a living entity,” she added. “This adds an element of unpredictability to my work, inviting viewers to engage with both its beauty and its inherent fragility.”

For Bhardwaj, art is a means of challenging perceptions and inviting introspection. “I want my work to linger in the minds of viewers, prompting them to question the narratives and realities I present,” she says. “By infusing ambiguity into my storytelling, I hope to open the door to endless interpretations and fantasies,” she added.

When: 11 am to 7 pm; March 18 to April 18, 2024

Where: Threshold Art Gallery, Sarvodaya, Enclave, New Delhi