At India Design 2025 in New Delhi, Masha Art reinterprets artistic heritage through bold experimentation, transforming tradition into a dynamic, sensorial experience, says Sakshi Priya
Art has always been a reflection of time, culture and identity. At India Design 2025, an exhibition brings this idea to life in a way that feels both rooted in tradition and open to reinvention.Walking through the space, the artworks create a sense of connection between past and present, between intricate craftsmanship and bold contemporary expression. It is a meeting point of heritage and innovation, where stories unfold through colour, form and texture.
The collection, curated with a thoughtful eye, features works by 21 artists including Seema Kohli, Chandrashekhar Morkondo and Sanjay Chakraborty. Every piece feels like a conversation, one that speaks of history, personal narratives and the evolving artistic language of the subcontinent. Some paintings draw from mythology, their golds and deep blue's reminiscent of temple murals, while others break away from convention with striking abstraction. The sculptures add another dimension, their forms shifting between realism and imagination, inviting the viewer to explore beyond the surface.
There is an undeniable energy in the way these works come together. A painting depicting a celestial dance, its intricate lines almost breathing on canvas, sits beside an abstract piece where colour dominates form, challenging perception. A sculptural installation nearby, crafted from repurposed materials, transforms discarded objects into something unexpected and powerful. The juxtaposition of mediums and styles creates a dynamic interplay, one that encourages curiosity and dialogue.
Some pieces invite stillness, their subtle shade and delicate strokes evoking a quiet reverence for nature and tradition. Others disrupt this calm with bold, unrestrained strokes of pigment, where movement and emotion take precedence over precision. The diversity in expression makes the exhibition feels alive, constantly shifting in meaning depending on who is viewing it.
Samarth Mathur, the mind behind this showcase, describes art as an investment in culture and creativity. His approach moves beyond traditional curation, treating each piece as part of a larger dialogue. This is not art placed on walls to be admired from a distance, it is art meant to be lived with, engaged with and understood.
The exhibition respects artistic heritage but does not hesitate to push boundaries. It does not try to define what Indian art should be, instead offering a glimpse into what it can become.
