The Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda is hosting a monumental retrospective exhibition titled ‘Contours of Infinity,’ celebrating the illustrious five-decade career of veteran artist Vipta Kapadia. Curated by Sushma Sabnis, the exhibition runs from January 21 to January 27, 2025, offering art enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the evolution of Kapadia’s iconic work.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Amrit Gangar, a distinguished film theorist, writer, curator, and historian. The event marks a significant moment in the art world, bringing together admirers and critics alike to honor Kapadia’s contributions to contemporary Indian art.
Kapadia, a graduate of Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, began her artistic journey in the 1970s, drawing inspiration from post-independence Indian art movements and global Abstract Expressionism. Her work, characterized by vivid colors, complex textures, and symbolic motifs, appeals to both Eastern and Western sensibilities. Over the years, she has redefined the expressive language of abstraction, creating a body of work that spans oil and acrylic on canvas, enamel on metal, and mixed media.
The exhibition showcases Kapadia’s remarkable adaptability and innovation, featuring traditional canvases and unconventional materials such as old vinyl records and metal. Her enamel works, in particular, offer a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow, reflecting her fearless embrace of the unpredictable alchemy of painting.
Vipita Kapadia’s abstract landscapes are reminders of the world we live in. Rugged fragments jammed into each other in ruthless solidity, as if a violent collapse of some façade froze in time. Paintings by the artist leave an eerie silence in the mind of the viewer that rings for days on end.
Vipita Kapadia’s abstract landscapes are reminders of the world we live in. Rugged fragments jammed into each other in ruthless solidity, as if a violent collapse of some façade froze in time. Paintings by the artist leave an eerie silence in the mind of the viewer that rings for days on end.
Curator Sushma Sabnis describes the retrospective as more than just an art collection. “Kapadia’s artworks call forth landscapes of memory, nostalgia, and imagination, transforming abstract shapes into concrete representations of life’s journey,” she said. The exhibition explores themes ranging from nature’s delicate balance to the relentless pace of urban transformation, providing viewers with an intimate dialogue between the artist and her audience.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Kapadia is celebrated for her role as an educator and mentor. Her community engagement has brought art into the lives of diverse audiences, transcending elitism and forging connections that blur the boundaries between the self and the world.
Contours of Infinity is a testament to Vipta Kapadia’s artistic vision and her enduring legacy in the Indian art scene. The exhibition is open to the public from 11 am to 7 pm daily until January 27, 2025.
Exhibition Details:
Dates: January 21 – January 27, 2025
Venue: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161-B, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai
Timings: 11 am - 7 pm
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