Art exhibition in Pune closes the year with colourful, pleasant narratives

It’s the time of the year when an annual showcase of works from across the country in Pune, throws light on the positive side of life.

There are displays by masters of the form, such as K G Subramanyan, Krishen Khanna, and Ram Kumar. (Express Photo)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

“We have always believed in, as curators, in showcasing works that are positive, full of colour and have a pleasant narrative,” says Sapna Kar as the annual art exhibition, Contemporary Signatures, gets ready to open in Pune.

To be held at Monalisa Kalagram in Koregaon Park between November 24 and December 3, the exhibition features works by more than 50 artists that are tied by the thread of happiness “whether it is via the colour, subject, shared appearance or grandeur”.

The biggest art showcase in the city, Contemporary Signatures began in 2021 with the aim of bringing signature works of eminent and up-and-coming artists under one roof to Pune. There are displays by masters of the form, such as K G Subramanyan, Krishen Khanna, and Ram Kumar. This year, the exhibition includes two new features— a section, Think Big, which includes around 35 works that are over 15 square feet and fit for the large homes that can still be found in Pune.

A second intervention is 10-15 artists who are showing in Pune for the first time. (Express Photo)

A second intervention is 10-15 artists who are showing in Pune for the first time. Among them is Ankon Mitra, an architect-artist who has created a buzz in the art world in recent years. Mitra’s works at the show are The Garden of the Mind, whose origami technique involves DuPont Tyvek house wrap that has been folded and hand painted, LED lights and a wooden box, among others, and A Royal Procession, an intricate ceiling installation.

“People in Pune would have seen the critically acclaimed Laxman Alelay but they might not be familiar with his daughter Priyanka Aelay, who has got a completely different vocabulary from her father,” says Kar.

Priyanka’s work is an acrylic on linen, titled She Hovered, a Bird of Bones and Air.

With the work Postcard Home, Rakhee Shenoy, the daughter of Gurudas Shenoy, makes her presence in Pune.

Story continues below this ad

Has the art world recovered from the setbacks of the pandemic?

“I don’t think art has seen a substantial dip. The mood is still positive, if we look at the response to Art Mumbai (Mumbai’s first art fair that ended November 19), we see that the sales, footfalls and the people attending were all positive,” says Kar.

With the walls of Monalisa Kalagram displaying powerful voices from across India, Kar says, “We’re trying to bring an array of positivity into your home by art that you can look at every day.”

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories