Ojas Art, New Delhi is set to host “Masnavi: Lores Across Lands,” a major group exhibition curated by Khushboo Jain, opening on November 23, 2025, and running until January 11, 2026. The show features nearly 60 works by artists from across the Indian subcontinent, Turkey, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the UK, each examining how folklore continues to shape and be shaped by contemporary times.
Bringing together artists such as Khadim Ali, Amal Lin, Sujay Sanan, Zafar Ali, Olga Lobanova, Laila Tara, Samantha Buckley, Mobeen Akhtar, Elham Pourkhani, Murat Palta, Mahsa Tehrani, Riyazhuddin, Zeynep Akman, Nusra Qureshi, Fatima Zahra Hassan, Ayesha Amjad, and Ramsha Haider, “Masnavi” presents a diverse constellation of voices. The exhibition explores the enduring heartbeat of folklore, tracing its evolution from ancient parables and mystical poetry, such as those found in Jataka, Panchatantra, and the verses of Bulleh Shah and Rumi—to contemporary artistic interpretations.
Miniature painting, or musawwari, is at the heart of the exhibition, serving as the primary medium for this visual dialogue. Historically, miniature painting has bridged oral and written narratives, making it a fitting platform for stories that traverse generations and geographies. The curatorial approach emphasizes both the personal and collective dimensions of lore and how it informs memory, identity, and resilience in the face of changing socio-political realities.
Amal Lin | Conversation & Samantha Buckley | Underneath which we shelter
According to curator Khushboo Jain, the exhibition considers folklore as a living, evolving tradition, engaging with the present and examining how today’s narratives might shape the stories of tomorrow. Anubhav Nath, director of Ojas Art, underscores the role of storytelling in uniting generations, cultures, and communities, positioning “Masnavi” as an exploration of storytelling’s lasting significance.
Accompanied by a dedicated publication, the exhibition continues the gallery’s ongoing interest in contemporary miniature painting. In 2024, Ojas Art presented “Mussawari,” an exhibition focused on the same genre, and “Masnavi” builds on this investigation, casting a wide net to include a broader global perspective. The gallery will be closed on Mondays throughout the duration of the exhibition.
“Masnavi: Lores Across Lands” invites audiences to reflect on the living legacy of folklore, its subtle influence on the present, and its role in shaping the narratives of the future.
Exhibition Details
Masnavi
Lores across lands
Group Artist Show |Opening: November 23 2025 |Ojas Art, New Delhi
Exhibition continues till January 11, 2026
Closed on Mondays
Cover Image: Khadim Ali | Birth Of Demons | Image courtesy: Ojas Art
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
