Through cities & canvases: 5 art exhibitions to see this July

Indian monsoon is a mood. Deeply enchanting, it not only brings about that much-needed relief from scorching heat, but the lush green landscape it creates carries much potential for creativity. Just imagine, a soft drizzle outside, a warm cup of chai in hand, and a quiet moment spent scribbling something simple, or maybe even something wildly intricate, on paper.

It can also be a great time to visit art galleries, being outdoors but not so much, as you let yourself get drenched in the artscape. Here, The WEEK has curated a list of five outstanding exhibitions to experience this July:

My Fifty Years with Dalai Lama by Vijay Kranti

Venue: AIFACS Art Gallery, New Delhi (Till July 10)

Warm, cheerful, and sporting a smile, always, the Dalai Lama and his following are far beyond Buddhism and Tibet. The monk-statesman celebrated his 90th on Sunday (July 6), which also marked the start of the 'International Year of Compassion'. Celebrating the Tibetan Buddhism head, the photo exhibition titled 'My Fifty Years With Dalai Lama' by author, journalist, Tibetologist, and photographer Vijay Kranti is currently underway at the AIFACS Art Gallery, New Delhi.  

Rain Dogs by Rohit Chawla

Venue: 47-A, Mumbai (Till August 3)

Talk about monsoon and its myriad moods. While the season offers endless inspiration to artists, photographer Rohit Chawla takes an unexpected turn. In Rain Dogs, currently on view at 47-A, Mumbai, he turns his lens toward the stray dogs set against the backdrop of the Goa rains. 

Somewhere I Have Never Travelled by Radhika Surana

Venue: Art Alive Gallery, Delhi (July 25 to August 20)

The title of this solo exhibition, by contemporary artist Radhika Surana, is borrowed from EE Cummings' evocative poem 'Somewhere I Have Never Travelled'. Here, the artist explores the human connection and emotional landscapes through her instinctive embroidery practice.

Voices by multiple artists

Venue: Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai (July 16 to July 24)

This extensive exhibition, curated by historian and art critic Uma Nair, brings together the works of 26 Indian and international artists across mediums, colours, and themes. The artists whose works are displayed include Muzaffar Ali, Arzan Khambatta, and Bhajju Shyam, among others.

Āranyaka by Arunima Choudhury

Venue: Emami Art, Kolkata (Till August 9)

The presence of nature is prominent in Kolkata-based artist Arunima Choudhury's artworks, some of which are displayed as part of the exhibition Aranyaka. Her works are a mix of eco prints and artworks on paper and cloth, and she uses colours derived from nature.

Society