‘Narratives in Transit’: Akanksha Patil’s solo art exhibition

A solo exhibition titled Narratives in Transit, featuring works by emerging contemporary artist Akanksha Patil, is currently on view at Gallery Art Positive. Curated by Georgina Maddox, the exhibition opened on March 27 and brings together a body of work developed over the past two years, reflecting both continuity and new directions in the artist’s practice.

Born in 1997 and based between Nagpur, Mumbai and Delhi, Patil is a graduate of Sir J.J. School of Art. Her practice draws from the idea of “saudade” — a sense of longing, nostalgia and emotional memory — explored through materials such as corrugated sheets, found objects and everyday elements.

The exhibition expands her earlier focus on personal migration into wider socio-political concerns. Through installations incorporating wood, cardboard, cloth, bricks, cement and video, the works examine themes of displacement, urban expansion and the erosion of cultural practices in rapidly developing regions.

A central focus is Shivangaon, a village affected by the expansion of Nagpur airport. Patil documents the transformation of the settlement, where communities face displacement, capturing the loss of homes, livelihoods and shared cultural life. The works also reflect resilience, featuring drawings by local children alongside photographs and maps to create an intimate archive of memory and place.

Speaking about her work, Patil said, “My work reflects the tensions between rural life and urban expansion, highlighting the realities of forced migration. Through materials like cardboard, wood, and found objects, along with video documentation, I attempt to evoke the complexities of these transitions.”

Curator Georgina Maddox said, “Patil’s practice is both personal and political. Her work demonstrates a sensitive yet powerful engagement with migration, memory and belonging.”

Gallery director Anu Bajaj added, “Akanksha Patil’s work exemplifies a new generation of contemporary Indian artists who are redefining artistic expression while engaging deeply with social realities.”

The exhibition marks a significant milestone in Patil’s career and continues the gallery’s focus on supporting experimental contemporary practices.

When: Until April 27; 11 AM to 7 PM

Where: Gallery Art Positive, F-213 B, Old MB Road, Lado Sarai, New Delhi