A grand retrospective at Jehangir Art Gallery honors Prafulla Dahanukar's pioneering art, featuring restored masterpieces, student works, and a decade of artistic inspiration nurtured by her enduring creative vision. Vinta Nanda reports…

The Jehangir Art Gallery hosts a landmark retrospective celebrating Prafulla Dahanukar’s artistic journey, showcasing her iconic abstract works, murals, and student creations supported by the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation. Curated by Beth Citron of Asia Society New York, the exhibition runs until 16th December 2024. It commemorates the 10th anniversary of the foundation, reflecting Dahanukar’s legacy in nurturing Indian art and inspiring future generations. Highlights include a special panel discussion, Ecologies of Abstraction, featuring Gopika Dahanukar and Savita Apte. Visit the exhibition to experience a tribute to one of India’s most influential female artists.

The Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai came alive on 10th December 2024 with the grand opening of the retrospective art exhibition celebrating the life and works of Prafulla Dahanukar, one of India’s pioneering muralists and a visionary in the art world. Organized by her daughters Gauri and Gopika Dahanukar, the event coincided with Gopika’s birthday and marked the 10th anniversary of the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, established after her passing by her late husband, Dilip Dahanukar.

Prafulla Dahanukar was an acclaimed artist known for her abstract works that combined Indian cultural themes with modernist techniques. Her art explored spiritual and metaphysical concepts through vivid geometric forms, earthy textures, and layered compositions. As one of India’s first female muralists, she broke new ground by creating large-scale public artworks that transformed urban spaces into immersive artistic environments. Her ability to blend tradition with innovation made her a celebrated figure in the contemporary art world.

The opening attracted a distinguished gathering of Mumbai's art fraternity, including luminaries such as Sharyu Doshi, Pheroza Godrej, and Saroj Satija. Prominent cultural figures like Dolly Thakore, Salim Asgarally, Anusha Srinivas Iyer, and artist Shabaz were also in attendance. In a lively conversation, Shabaz urged Salim Asgarally to return to the canvas, igniting creative sparks among the guests.

Curated by Beth Citron of the Asia Society New York, the exhibition features a stunning array of Prafulla Dahanukar’s works discovered by her daughters in her Lonavala studio. Restored with dedication, these masterpieces are on display at the Jehangir Art Gallery until 16th December 2024. The exhibition also includes creations by Prafulla’s former students and artists supported by the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation’s scholarship program over the past decade.

Reflecting on Dahanukar's legacy, art historians Sharyu Doshi and Pheroza Godrej shared personal anecdotes about her influential role in fostering India’s art scene. Saroj Satija reminisced about their enduring friendship, which began during her tenure at the Bajaj Art Gallery. She fondly recalled Dahanukar’s generosity, her passion for mentoring young artists, and her tireless efforts to diversify India’s artistic landscape.

The atmosphere at the opening was charged with nostalgia, admiration, and creative inspiration. The thoughtful exhibition layout highlights Dahanukar’s signature style—her bold use of abstraction, expansive murals, and deep engagement with form, texture, and materiality.

Adding intellectual depth to the exhibition, the Asia Society India Centre is hosting a special panel discussion titled Ecologies of Abstraction on 11th December 2024. Moderated by Beth Citron, the discussion will feature Gopika Dahanukar and Savita Apte. The panel aims to explore Dahanukar’s artistic journey, her innovative use of space, and the intersections of her personal and professional lives. The conversation promises a compelling insight into her creative processes and the cultural context that shaped her remarkable career.

The official invitation from Gauri and Gopika Dahanukar warmly expressed their gratitude and excitement: “This retrospective brings together her iconic works, cherished sketches, and untold stories, offering a profound glimpse into her creative spirit and enduring legacy. This milestone event also commemorates 10 years of the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation, with a special show titled PRERNA, showcasing selected works by Fellowship winners from the past decade.”

As the art community gathered to celebrate the indelible mark left by Prafulla Dahanukar, the retrospective proved to be more than an exhibition—it became a living testament to her artistic vision, her commitment to nurturing future generations, and her unyielding passion for art. Visitors left inspired, carrying with them memories of a vibrant celebration of creativity, legacy, and artistic excellence.