September promises to be a vibrant month for art lovers in Delhi, with an impressive lineup of exhibitions showcasing diverse artistic expressions from contemporary works to explorations of history and
social narratives. Here are five must-see art exhibitions in the city this month:
1. The Shadows of Absence
Vadehra Art Gallery presents The Shadows of Absence, the first solo exhibition in India by renowned artist Tom Vattakuzhy. Curated by distinguished art historian R. Siva Kumar, this exhibition showcases 16 recent masterpieces that seamlessly blend Renaissance realism with surrealistic elements. The collection delves into themes of memory, migration, and the serene moments of domestic life, offering a profound artistic exploration.
When: Until 13 September
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
Venue: Vadehra Art Gallery, D-53 Defence Colony, New Delhi
2. After Aphantasias
This landmark group exhibition, curated by Shrine Empire, features six pioneering Sri Lankan artists—Anoli Perera, Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Jagath Weerasinghe, Kingsley Gunatillake, Muhanned Cader, and Pala Pothupitiye. Through powerful paintings, sculptures, installations, and more, the show critically examines societal blindness and politics, offering a profound reflection on contemporary issues.
When: 14 – 25 September
Timings: 6 – 9 pm (14 September opening)
Venue: First Floor, CCA Building, Bikaner House, New Delhi
3. Homes Wrapped in Cloth, Borders Raised by Flags
In Hema Shironi’s compelling solo exhibition at Bikaner House, flags are transformed into fragile, uncanny barbed wire—symbolizing deep political tensions. Her masterful use of fabric, embroidery, and found materials weaves haunting narratives that vividly explore generational trauma and displacement stemming from Sri Lanka’s civil war. The exhibition offers a visually poetic journey into memory and loss, inviting viewers into a powerful emotional dialogue.
When: 14 – 25 September, 2025
Timings: 6 – 9 pm (14 September opening)
Venue: Ground Floor, CCA Building, Bikaner House, New Delhi
4. Essere: A Solo Sculpture Exhibition by Niyamat Mehta
Acclaimed sculptor Niyamat Mehta presents her second solo exhibition, Essere, in partnership with Arushi Arts. The show features her most ambitious creations to date—powerful bronze sculptures mounted on pristine Makrana marble. Blending Indian mythology, philosophy, and contemporary artistry, Essere invites viewers into a profound journey of form and meaning.
When: 20 – 24 September
Timings: 6 pm onwards
Tickets: Free
Venue: Bikaner House, New Delhi
5. Woman Song | Looking Back
Eminent painter Vasundhara Tewari Broota’s upcoming solo exhibition will feature approximately 35 works spanning her artistic journey from the 1980s to today. Her oeuvre predominantly revolves around the female nude, evolving from fragmented, deconstructed body parts to cohesive, full-figure compositions. Kolkata-born and Delhi-based, the artist’s feminist lens positions the female body as a powerful site of process and resistance. Her paintings often weave fantastical and otherworldly elements, intertwining figures with one another and with aspects of nature to create evocative, compelling narratives.
When: 11 September – 11 October
Venue: Vadehra Art Gallery, Defence Colony, New Delhi
