‘Contemporary Signatures’–how this art exhibition series continues to raise the bar of creativity
In this photo essay from Koregaon Park in Pune, we showcase more artworks and curator insights from the Monalisa Kalagram gallery.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 865 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
Founded in 2016, Monalisa Kalagram has established itself as a vibrant cultural space in Pune’s Koregaon Park. See our coverage of earlier exhibitions at the gallery from 2021 onwards here.
“Contemporary Signatures 4.0 is the fourth edition of the exhibition series hosted by us. It featured over 60 renowned contemporary artists and showcased a diverse array of artworks,” Lisa Pingale, founder and owner of Monalisa Kalagram, tells YourStory.
The artist lineup includes Priyanka Aelay, Abhipsa Pradhan, Anand Panchal, Bhaskar Rao Botcha, Ram Kumbhar, Rashmi Singh, Revati Sharma Singh, Sachin Jaltare, Samir Mohanty, Satish Gupta, Seema Kohli, Siddharth Shingade, Tauseef Khan, Vishal Sablley, and others.
The exhibition was curated by the art platform TheCurators.art, founded by Sapna Kar and Rajneeta Kewalramani. Their sculptures and installations include established names like Krishen Khana, Valay Shende and Vinod Daroz.
The exhibition activities included a fireside chat with artists Abhay Sehgal and Hitesh Gilder. Such conversations help encourage young artists and art students to experiment and find their individual art vocabulary.
“The response and ongoing love we receive from Pune audiences makes us work harder each year. We keep coming back with something new to showcase,” Kar enthuses.
The exhibits include paintings, paperworks and installations as well. “A key focus of this edition was handwoven tapestries, highlighting textile art as a significant medium within contemporary practice,” Pingale describes.
“The inclusion of tapestries added a unique dimension to the exhibition, demonstrating the intersection of traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic expressions,” she adds. The show built upon previous editions by presenting a broader range of artistic media and perspectives, offering a more dynamic visual experience.
Over the years, the gallery has hosted numerous art exhibitions, workshops, musical performances, theatrical productions, film screenings, book readings, and poetry sessions. It actively promotes both contemporary and traditional forms of art and craft, providing a platform for artists and artisans to showcase their work.
One of the earlier exhibitions at the gallery was titled Archipelago, featuring the works of ten women artists. Curated by Lina Vincent, it reflected commonalities and diversities of artistic themes and methods.
“We are all inextricably linked, with each other, and with nature – the distinction of land and ocean, imagined political boundaries of state and nation, differences of race and religion, gender and privilege,” Vincent explains.
There is a common thread of observation and reflection. “The artists negotiate with identity and belonging as well as notions of home and kinship,” she adds. Featured artists included Amritah Sen, Mukta Jana, Payal Garai, Priyanka Bardiya, Ruchira Santhosh, and Shweta Raina.
“Our diverse exhibitions serve as a bridge between artists and audiences, creating immersive experiences that inspire art lovers, collectors, and critics alike,” Pingale proudly explains. Such commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering an appreciation for the arts contributes to the city’s cultural landscape.
By facilitating creative encounters with renowned as well as emerging artists, the gallery has played an important role in shaping Pune’s evolving cultural identity.
“Events of this nature not only celebrate artistic diversity but also foster dialogue between different generations of artists, offering them opportunities for visibility, collaboration, and creative exchange,” Pingale signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs were taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at Monalisa Kalagram.)