Progressive Art Gallery, situated in the heart of Dubai’s cultural district, is hosting an exhibition that explores the intersection of art and protest in India’s modern history. Titled “Intertwined: Revisitation of the Indian Art Narrative,” the exhibition invites visitors to reimagine protest not only through political expressions but also through spiritual, aesthetic, and personal narratives that shaped Indian Modern Art.
Open to the public until 31st May 2025, the exhibition showcases a diverse collection of works from India’s most renowned artists, spanning over multiple decades and ideologies. Curated by Wendy Amanda Coutinho, Intertwined reframes the concept of protest, portraying it as a layered and introspective force that challenges societal norms through symbolism, form, and color rather than through overt declarations.
“Art’s relevance lies not in adherence to ideology, but in its ability to question, defy, and uncover the unseen truths of its time,” says curator Wendy Amanda Coutinho. “This exhibition is not about loud protests but about the nuanced, intimate, and philosophical defiance that shaped modern Indian art.”
The Masters of Protest
The exhibition pays tribute to the iconic Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG) members—M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, K.H. Ara, H.A. Gade, and S.K. Bakre—whose works transcended colonial legacies, market demands, and restrictive ideologies. Through Raza’s meditative abstraction, Souza’s provocative figuration, and Gaitonde’s minimalist Zen-inspired works, the artists conveyed forms of resistance that were deeply personal and formal rather than political.
Alongside these modern masters, the exhibition also highlights the feminist and folk-rooted counter-narratives by Anjolie Ela Menon, B. Prabha, Madhvi Parekh, and Arpita Singh. These women artists defied conventional boundaries and told stories often left out of the mainstream narrative.
The presence of influential artists like Jamini Roy, Ganesh Pyne, Jogen Chowdhury, Shyamal Dutta Ray, and K.G. Subramanyan further expands the scope of protest in Indian art, illustrating how resistance was multifaceted, introspective, and, at times, heartbreakingly personal.
A Visionary Reflection
Harshvardhan Singh, Director of Progressive Art Gallery, reflects on the exhibition’s broader significance: “This exhibition is a celebration of artists who didn’t just create art—they carved paths for future generations. Their works speak a common truth: art is a transformative agent of change.”
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Venue: Progressive Art Gallery, Dubai
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Dates: Open until 31st May 2025
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Timings: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
The Progressive Art Gallery remains a pivotal institution for showcasing Modern Indian Art in Dubai and continues to strengthen its global presence.
