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Gallery Espace Presents ‘Memory Fields’ to Celebrate 35th Anniversary

Gallery Espace’s ‘Memory Fields

Gallery Espace has announced ‘Memory Fields’ as part of its 35th-anniversary exhibition in a grand showcase that reflects the gallery’s transformative journey in Indian contemporary art. Curated by renowned art historian and curator Gayatri Sinha, the exhibition has carefully selected a lineup of 38 esteemed artists whose contributions have been seminal to the gallery’s history, influence, and aesthetic vision.

Memory Fields Invitation
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

The exhibition, ‘Memory Fields’ opens at Bikaner House on November 29 and runs until December 12. It will continue at Galley Espace from December 18 2024 to January 15 2025. Through this exhibition, Gallery Espace extends a tribute to its enduring relationships with these remarkable artists and their invaluable contributions to shaping India’s art narrative. 

Artists at ‘Memory Fields

Gallery Espace’s ‘Memory Fields’ features prominent modern and contemporary artists, including luminaries such as M.F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, Nilima Sheikh, Manjunath Kamath, and G.R. Iranna, among others. It is a highlight of the gallery’s steadfast dedication to Indian art, a journey marked by visionary curation and close relationships with artists.

MF Hussain drawing
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

Anupam Sud, Amit Ambalal, Amitava Das, Anandajit Ray, Bhupen Khakhar, Chitra Ganesh, Dilip Chobisa, G.R. Iranna, J. Swaminathan, Jeram Patel, Karl Antao, M.F. Husain, Madan Lal, Madhvi Parekh, Mala Marwah, Manisha Gera Baswani, Manjit Bawa, Manjunath Kamath, Manu Parekh, Mekhala Bahl, Mona Rai, Nagji Patel, Nilima Sheikh, Paula Sengupta, Prabhakar Barwe, Puneet Kaushik, Purvai Rai, Rajendar Tiku, Ravi Agarwal, Shambhavi, Sheetal Gattani, Shobha Broota, Sonia Khurana, Sudarshan Shetty, Tanmoy Samanta, Vasudevan Akkitham, Waswo X. Waswo, and Zarina. 

MF Hussain's line drawing
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

Curator Gayatri Sinha on Gallery Espace

Curator Gayatri Sinha remarks on Gallery Espace’s legacy, “Gallery Espace has weathered enormous changes over 35 years to emerge as a powerhouse of Indian contemporary art on the national scene. I believe Renu Modi has shown enormous tenacity in guiding her gallery through these times, building up a core group of exceptional artists, and adhering to an aesthetic vision which has endured and flourished over time. The upcoming exhibition will draw on these strengths to celebrate 35 years of Gallery Espace.” 

MF Hussain's drawing which looks like a bed
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

What is ‘Memory Fields’ All About?

This milestone exhibition by Gallery Espace gathers a range of voices from the gallery’s 35-year-old legacy, including artists who have exhibited with Espace at pivotal moments in their careers. With artworks spanning various mediums and eras, the exhibit is both a celebration of Gallery Espace’s foundational artists and its ongoing commitment to contemporary narratives. 

MF Hussain's drawings
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

Founder Renu Modi on ‘Memory Fields

Founder of Gallery Espace, Renu Modi shared her vision for the exhibition. She says, “Memory Fields brings together many of the artists who were responsible for shaping Espace and my thinking about Indian aesthetics – Husain, Swaminathan and Manjit; Jeram, Nagjibhai, and Zarina, who had important solo exhibitions with Espace at a time there was little enthusiasm among collectors for their works; Mala Marwah, Manu and Madhvi Parekh, Nilima Sheikh – friends, associates, sounding boards; and last, but not the least, Kamath, Iranna, Mekhala, Ravi, Chitra, Purvai and all the amazing artists on Espace’s roster now. Rooted in Indian aesthetics, Espace’s programming has consistently strived to remain relevant to the times, with exhibitions that address contemporary concerns and showcase new age mediums.” 

MF Hussain's geometrical work
Courtesy – Gallery Espace

Image Courtesy – Gallery Espace