At a recent art show viewing at Bikaner House for Nayanaa Kanodia’s ‘Staged Realities’, I wondered how art imitates life and vice versa. The show presented the dichotomy of life, where we wish to stay rooted yet move away in pursuit of modern luxuries.
As art in all its forms; dance, music, theatre, and exhibitions, are produced as reflections on an ever-changing society, April’s art and culture events calendar gives ample exposure to witness human artistry in all its forms. Across cities, galleries and theatres are opening doors to stories that are pertinent even today. From searching for a place like home to exploring unresolved connections, revisiting the past with oleographs and lithographs, to celebrating World Dance Day, here are some must-see events to witness in your city.
The Friend That I Never Had
In her solo exhibition, Neha Sahai presents a deeply introspective body of work that reflects on intimacy, companionship, and the emotional spaces shaped by unresolved relationships. Using a restrained visual language, marked by flat colour planes, softened edges, and minimal detailing, she creates quiet yet emotionally resonant compositions. Recurring hybrid forms, which are part human, part fish, act as vessels of memory and emotional projection, letting the viewer recall their own relationship dynamics.
When: On till April 28, 2026
Where: EDGE, LATITUDE 28, Lado Sarai, New Delhi
Sair-e-Motorcar
Can objects of antiquity be experienced in today’s time? Blending classical dance with vintage automotive heritage, this unique production attempts to answer that. The production brings together Kathak and collectable cars. They transform from static artefacts into living narratives. At its core is Kathak dancer Navina Jafa’s compelling performance, along with the witty and humorous character of Firdausi Mirza, portrayed by Sudheer Rikhari, who binds the story. Imagine it to be a blast from the past, bringing tales of collectors, royalty, and the cultural symbolism of automobiles linked with higher status and class.
Origin of Desire
Japanese artist Mari Ito’s first solo exhibition in India is a surreal and sensorial universe through sculpture and painting. Her works feature organic, almost otherworldly forms such as flowers with human-like expressions, fluid shapes, and luminous surfaces. They blur the line between biology and imagination. Rooted in the traditional Nihonga technique, her practice involves layering natural pigments, sumi ink, and nikawa on delicate washi paper. While preserving the discipline of Japanese craftsmanship, Ito creates a body of work that feels both ancient and contemporary.
When: 24 April – 1 May 2026
Where: The Ballroom, Bikaner House, New Delhi
Houses I Almost Lived In
Some spaces never fully belong to us, yet they linger. This exhibition reflects on the idea of homes, not as physical structures, but as emotional imprints that seep into memory. Featuring works by Shalina Vichitra, Pooja Iranna, Raj Jariwala, Samit Das, and Mahen Perera, the show explores how architecture is internalised through lived experience. These artists move beyond the literal representation of houses, focusing instead on how spaces are remembered.
When: On till May 25
Where: LATITUDE 28, Defence Colony, Delhi
Also Read: What To Not Miss At India Art Fair 2026
19th World Dance Day
Curated by Geeta Chandran and presented by Natya Vriksha, this two-day festival celebrates dance as both performance and discourse. Bringing together established and emerging artists, the event features workshops, lecture-demonstrations, panel discussions, and live performances. It explores how dance intersects with technology, theory, and contemporary practice, offering a holistic view of the evolving art form.
When: April 25–26
Where: India International Centre, New Delhi
What India Learned to See
If you’re a lover of art history, this one’s for you! This exhibition by the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation examines how printmaking shaped modern visual culture in India. Showcasing a rare collection of oleographs, lithographs, and printed materials from the late 19th to mid-20th century, it traces how imagery became accessible to wider audiences.
When: Ongoing until May 31
Where: Gallery G, 38, Maini Sadan, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Continuum
Curated by Gauri Minocha, Continuum transforms everyday living spaces into immersive art zones. The display spread across rooms, hallways, stairways, terraces, lawns, and outdoor areas brings nearly 100 artworks featuring artists like Avijit Roy, Badri Narayan, and F. N. Souza. The art show dissolves conventional boundaries between art and life. It encourages visitors to view art not in isolation, but a more contemplative engagement.
Shwet Shyam by Tantavyaa
View this post on Instagram
This textile exhibition is an ode to the handloom and handicraft traditions of Eastern India, woven with the spirit of Krishna Bhakti. The display brings Jamdani, fine Muslin to Muga across Assam, Odisha, and West Bengal, along with intricate surface embroideries. They’re rooted in three guiding pillars: Swabhiman (respect for the artisan), Shaktikaran (women’s empowerment), and Sankirtan (devotion to Krishna). Visitors can also expect a curated fashion theatre showcasing crafts from Awadh, a live concert by Vidya Shah and more.
When: April 27-28
Where: National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi
Nothing Twice
This group exhibition reflects on the fleeting nature of life and memory. Inspired by Polish poet and essayist’s Wisława Szymborska’s philosophy of impermanence, it brings together nine young women artists working across diverse media, including painting, textiles, video, and ceramics. Their works highlight themes of care, labour, and lived experience.
When: On till May 9, 2026
Where: Galleries 2 & 3, Ground Floor, Emami Art, Kolkata
Edited By Priyamvada Rana
