‘Staged Realities’: a solo exhibition by Nayanaa Kanodia

A solo exhibition by artist Nayanaa Kanodia, titled Staged Realities, will open at CCA, Bikaner House on April 11. Presented by Dhoomimal Gallery and curated by Archana Khare-Ghose, the show marks Kanodia’s return to New Delhi after nearly two decades. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 12 to April 20, between 11 AM and 7 PM, with a preview on April 11 from 5 PM to 9 PM.

The exhibition brings together a selection of recent and earlier works, offering a glimpse into the artist’s evolving practice. Known as a pioneer of Naïve Art in India, Kanodia’s work draws from the many layers of Mumbai, capturing both its bustling public spaces and the quieter, private worlds of its residents. Her compositions often reflect on class, gender, and the rhythms of urban life, blending observation with gentle humour.

Her paintings focus on everyday moments and situations, often rendered as detailed, staged compositions where reality and imagination intersect. Through these scenes, Kanodia explores the contradictions and subtleties of urban existence, presenting them in a visual language that is both accessible and layered.

Curator Archana Khare-Ghose notes the artist’s engagement with the ordinary, highlighting how her work draws attention to familiar scenes while revealing their underlying complexity. The exhibition reflects this approach, presenting works that examine human behaviour, relationships, and lived spaces with warmth and nuance.

When: April 12 to April 20

Where: CCA, Ground Floor, Bikaner House, New Delhi