Sakshi Gallery in Mumbai will host veteran artist Amit Ambalal’s fifth solo show titled Leela, opening tomorrow and running through March 31, 2026.
The preview takes place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Ground Floor Gallery, Sakshi Gallery, Third Pasta Lane, Colaba, Mumbai. The exhibition remains open to the public from 11 am to 6 pm until March 31, closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.
Leela explores the concept of cosmic play (leela), drawing from Ambalal’s childhood stories and mythical narratives, extending beyond human perspectives to include animals, birds, and trees in harmonious synchrony.
Influenced by Nathdwara pichwai paintings, the works feature devotional colors like Krishna’s blue, Radha’s yellow, and their green union, infused with wit, whimsy, and joyful observation—such as tigers amid flowers or leaping dogs.
Born in 1943 in Ahmedabad, Amit Ambalal shifted from family textile business to full-time painting at age 36, training under Chhaganlal Jadhav.
A founding member of the Contemporary Painters Group, he has held numerous solos at venues like Sakshi Gallery, Gallery Chemould, and Amdavad ni Gufa, with works in collections worldwide. His playful, ironic depictions of daily life with animals and nature have earned awards like the Gujarat State Lalit Kala Akademi (1968).
Celebrating 40 years since 1986, Sakshi Gallery in Colaba promotes Indian and international contemporary art, showcasing artists like Jehangir Sabavala and El Anatsui. The gallery participates in global art fairs and nurtures emerging talents alongside established names.
Cover image: Amit Ambalal | The guardians
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
