Indian modernists and new voices come together in Soulmate, curated by Renu Khera at Bikaner House

Galerie Nifa’s upcoming New Delhi exhibition, running September 7–10, spans painting, sculpture and mixed media, weaving modern masters with contemporary and Warli traditions under Khera’s curatorial vision

The Indian art world will see a rare dialogue across generations next week when Galerie Nifa opens Soulmate at Bikaner House. The exhibition, curated by Renu Khera, combines works from legendary modernists, recognised contemporary figures, and emerging artists, positioning art as both cultural anchor and personal companion.
The exhibition includes contributions from names long associated with the modern movementM.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Ram Kumar, B. Prabha, A. Ramachandran, Krishen Khanna, Manu Parekh, Shanti Dave and G.R. Iranna. Alongside these, the show also brings forward younger and mid-career artists whose work reflects contemporary concerns in form, media and subject.

A special focus is reserved for Balu Jivya Mashe, son of the late Padma Shri awardee Jivya Soma Mashe, who introduced Warli art to the global stage. Balu Mashe’s canvases extend the family legacy, using rural life and spirituality to reassert the relevance of tribal traditions in present-day visual culture.

Khera describes the exhibition as deeply personal, shaped over years of collecting and curating. The selection spans paintings, sculptures and mixed media works, creating conversations between modernism and tradition, urban experimentation and indigenous practice.

The exhibition will run from September 7 to 10, 2025, with parallel programmes including guided tours by Khera, artist talks and interactive workshops, reflecting Galerie Nifa’s effort to make art accessible to a wider public.