New Delhi: Gallery Kolkata, New Delhi, in collaboration with Meghna Agarwala, has organised a distinctive exhibition titled Pancha-Tattva: Material Matters. Curated and designed by Ankon Mitra, the exhibition marks the inaugural presentation at the gallery’s new space in the capital. It brings together artists, architects and designers whose practices explore the deep relationship between materials, craftsmanship and creative expression.
The concept of the exhibition is inspired by the ancient Indian philosophy of Pancha-Tattva the five cosmic elements of Space, Air, Water, Earth and Fire. The idea also draws from the three gunas Sattva, Rajas and Tamas to interpret the process of creation and the dialogue between the maker and the material. Through this philosophical framework, the exhibition attempts to highlight how materials influence imagination and artistic practice.
Five key materials have been associated with the elemental forces: Concrete representing Fire, Wood symbolising Earth, Glass representing Water, Textile symbolising Air, and Copper, Brass and Bronze representing Space (Ether). Through these mediums, the exhibition reflects on the journey between the maker and the material while dissolving boundaries between art, architecture and design.
The exhibition features works by 29 artists, architects and designers from different generations. Senior artists such as Kavita Nayar, Arunkumar HG, Sheela Chamariya and Srila Mookherjee are part of the showcase, along with designers Siddhartha Das, Joya Nandurdikar and Amrita Guha. Curated by Ankon Mitra and presented by Meghna Agarwala, the exhibition is being seen as an important addition to Delhi’s evolving cultural landscape.
