MANDAPO Presents 'Paradox of Existence': A Groundbreaking Alternative Art Show at Fort, Mumbai

From 16-31 July 2025: Four visionary artists explore the beautiful contradictions of contemporary existence in Mumbai's most compelling alternative art space

The Philosophical Framework

In an era defined by digital paradoxes and existential uncertainty, four distinguished artists unite to explore the fundamental contradictions that shape human experience. Paradox of Existence, curated by the visionary Richa Sharma, transforms MANDAPO's intimate gallery space into a profound meditation on the complexity of modern consciousness.

This exhibition doesn't merely display art—it excavates the raw materials of existence itself, presenting works that navigate the treacherous terrain between truth and illusion, order and chaos, presence and absence. Much like the transformative art installations at Four Seasons Bengaluru, this show challenges viewers to engage with art as a vehicle for deeper understanding.

The Curatorial Vision

Richa Sharma's conceptual framework acknowledges a fundamental truth: to exist is to embody contradiction. Her carefully orchestrated selection of works creates a dialogue between disparate artistic voices, each offering their own interpretation of life's inherent dualities. The exhibition becomes a mirror reflecting our fractured contemporary reality, where certainty has become luxury and ambiguity the norm.

The Artists: Four Perspectives on Paradox

Pankaj Khalode: The Visceral Interpreter

Khalode's contribution to the exhibition demonstrates his mastery of visual language that oscillates between intimacy and intensity. His works serve as emotional topographies, mapping the interior landscapes where personal and universal experiences converge.

Samita Ravindran: The Intuitive Investigator

Ravindran's layered canvases function as archaeological sites of identity, excavating questions of gender, embodiment, and spatial relationships. Her intuitive approach reveals the quiet ferocity that underlies seemingly peaceful surfaces, reminiscent of the contemporary works featured in AstaGuru's contemporary art auctions.

Manoj Sonawane: The Identity Alchemist

Through his sophisticated blend of abstraction and narrative, Sonawane challenges the permanence of selfhood. His works suggest that identity itself is perhaps the greatest paradox—simultaneously fixed and fluid, defined and indefinable.

Hemant Shinde: The Urban Subconscious

Shinde's bold explorations of form and texture give voice to the collective unconscious of urban existence. His works transform the anxiety of metropolitan life into powerful visual statements about contemporary alienation and connection, echoing themes explored by artists featured in revolutionary street art movements.

The Space: MANDAPO as Cultural Catalyst

Located in the historic Fort district of Mumbai, MANDAPO has established itself as more than an alternative art space - it functions as a cultural catalyst where challenging ideas find their audience. The gallery's commitment to showcasing work that provokes rather than merely pleases makes it the perfect venue for this ambitious exhibition.

The intimate scale of the space intensifies the viewing experience, creating an almost confessional atmosphere where viewers encounter these works not as distant objects but as immediate, pressing questions about their own existence. This approach mirrors the intention-driven philosophy of Colaba Arts Mumbai's artistic spaces.

Exhibition Details

Duration: 16 July – 31 July 2025
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: MANDAPO, 2nd Floor, Sane Building, 30/32 (Deval Chambers), Nanabhai Lane, Hutama Chowk (Flora Fountain), Fort, Mumbai – 400001
Admission: Free
Website: www.mandapo.in

A Cultural Moment

Paradox of Existence arrives at a crucial moment in contemporary Indian art, when artists are increasingly willing to confront the uncomfortable realities of modern existence. This exhibition doesn't offer easy answers or comfortable resolutions. Instead, it presents art as a means of grappling with complexity, embracing contradiction, and finding beauty in the spaces between certainties.

For those seeking art that challenges rather than comforts, that questions rather than confirms, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with work that refuses to simplify the beautiful complexity of being human. Similar explorations of artistic depth can be found in exhibitions like Anand Bekwad's Sacred Landscapes at Raja Ravi Varma Gallery, demonstrating the rich tapestry of contemporary Indian artistic expression.

The exhibition encourages dialogue and contemplation. Visitors are invited to spend time with these works, allowing their paradoxes to unfold gradually, revealing new layers of meaning with each encounter. For art enthusiasts interested in exploring more contemporary exhibitions, consider visiting the Andy Warhol exhibition at Newlands House Gallery for a different perspective on artistic legacy and contemporary relevance.