“Soulmate” features over 20 artists, bringing together masterpieces by legendary Indian modernists, works by celebrated contemporary figures, and fresh expressions from emerging talents. Each artwork in this showcase has been handpicked by Renu Khera over her extensive career, reflecting her unwavering passion for nurturing and celebrating creativity.
Among the luminaries featured are M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, B. Prabha, A. Ramachandran, Krishen Khanna, G.R. Iranna, Manu Parekh, and Shanti Dave. The exhibition also includes a special focus on Balu Jivya Mashe, son of the late Padma Shri awardee Jivya Soma Mashe, who brought Warli art to international recognition. Balu’s works continue this vibrant legacy, weaving rural life, nature, and spirituality into compelling visual narratives.
Galerie Nifa’s “Soulmate” Highlights Contemporary Voices and Indigenous Narratives Through Its Distinguished Artists
G.R. Iranna, one of India’s most prominent contemporary artists, is known for his contemplative works that blend spiritual and philosophical inquiry with powerful visual symbolism. His canvas in Soulmate reflects his signature meditative minimalism, evoking both fragility and resilience—an artistic dialogue between materiality and transcendence. Iranna’s work juxtaposes the fragility of a blossoming tree with the quiet presence of a sacred Nandi, evoking a meditative balance between nature and spirituality. The dense flowering canopy becomes a metaphor for resilience and transcendence.
Biplab Biswas brings a deeply personal and socially engaged perspective to the exhibition. His paintings, often characterized by layered textures and striking use of color, explore identity, memory, and the complexities of modern existence. His featured work in Soulmate addresses the human condition with raw honesty, weaving together personal narrative and collective experience. Biplab Biswas reimagines feminine divinity through vibrant forms, weaving myth, nature, and symbolism into lyrical compositions. His fluid lines and radiant palette create a dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression.
Sanghapal Mhaske, a rising talent, adds a fresh voice to the exhibition with works that merge contemporary idioms with reflections on cultural memory. His canvases are known for their balance of abstraction and symbolism, offering viewers a poetic meditation on life’s rhythms. In Soulmate, his works stand as both intimate reflections and universal statements. Mhaske captures the dynamism of everyday urban life with textured brushwork and luminous tones. The bustling marketplace becomes both a portrait of community and a meditation on the rhythm of collective existence.
A special resonance in the exhibition comes from Balu Jivya Mashe, son of legendary Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe. Carrying forward his father’s legacy, Balu’s intricate Warli compositions bring alive the cyclical harmony of nature, ritual, and community life. His works in Soulmate continue the journey of Warli art from its roots in indigenous wall paintings to celebrated global recognition, reinforcing the dialogue between tradition and innovation. Carrying forward the Warli tradition, Balu Jivya Mashe transforms ritual patterns into contemporary visual poetry. His intricate linework conveys the harmony of nature, community, and cosmic order through timeless geometric forms.
Together, these artists exemplify the diversity of Soulmate: from philosophical abstraction to socially engaged narratives and indigenous traditions reimagined for contemporary audiences. Their works embody the exhibition’s spirit—art as a true soulmate that reflects human experience across time and culture. The exhibition spans paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works, creating a dialogue between tradition and modernity. It underscores Renu Khera’s vision of Indian art as a living soulmate—an emotional, cultural, and spiritual companion.
Renu Khera says: “I have always believed that art is a soulmate – a companion that mirrors our innermost thoughts, emotions, and journeys. Over the years, these works have become extensions of my own spirit, collected with love and curated to inspire others. ‘Soulmate’ is my invitation to the world to connect with the timeless beauty and evolving narrative of Indian art.”
The exhibition will take place from September 7–10, 2025 at LTC Bikaner House, New Delhi, offering audiences an immersive journey through a deeply personal collection of Indian art. In addition to the exhibition, guided tours by Renu Khera, artist talks, and workshops will be organized, in line with NIFA’s mission to make fine arts accessible, engaging, and educational. Admission is free, with special previews available for collectors and media upon request.
Featuring Image Courtesy: Galerie Nifa
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