A solo exhibition by Nayanaa Kanodia

Dhoomimal Gallery presents Staged Realities, a solo exhibition by Nayanaa Kanodia, opening April 11 at CCA, Bikaner House. Curated by Archana Khare-Ghose, the show marks the artist’s return to New Delhi after nearly two decades.

A pioneer of Naïve Art in India, Kanodia is known for her distinctive visual language that captures the many layers of Mumbai—from its bustling streets to the private worlds of its elite. Blending sensitivity with gentle humour, her works reflect on class, gender, and the rhythms of urban life.

Nayanaa Kanodia says “My work has always come from observing the world around me, especially a city like Mumbai which is always in flux. I’m drawn to small moments, everyday situations, and the many contradictions that exist within them. Over time, these observations turn into detailed, almost staged compositions where reality blends with imagination. This exhibition brings together works from different phases of my journey, but what connects them is a continued curiosity about people, their spaces, and the subtle stories they carry.”

Bringing together a selection of recent and earlier works, the exhibition offers a glimpse into her evolving practice and long-standing engagement with the city.

Uday Jain of Dhoomimal Gallery says “Nayanaa Kanodia has quietly built a very distinctive voice over the years, staying committed to her style while the art world has constantly shifted around her. What makes her work special is the way she observes life—whether it’s the chaos of the streets or the stillness of private spaces—and brings it all together with a certain lightness and honesty. With Staged Realities, we’re happy to bring her back to Delhi after such a long time and share a body of work that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable.”

Curator Archana Khare-Ghose says “What I find compelling about Nayanaa’s work is her ability to stay with the everyday and still make it feel layered and meaningful. She doesn’t chase the dramatic—instead, she pays attention to the ordinary, and in doing so, reveals so much about how we live, behave, and relate to each other. There’s a certain warmth and wit in her practice, but also an underlying sharpness. This exhibition is a reminder that even the most familiar scenes can hold complex stories if we take the time to really look.”

Bringing together a selection of recent and earlier works, Staged Realities offers a comprehensive glimpse into Kanodia’s evolving practice. The exhibition reflects her long-standing engagement with Mumbai while also highlighting her unique ability to document social realities through a deeply personal and accessible visual language.

When- April 11 to 20, 2026

Time– 05pm – 09pm

Venue- CCA, Ground Floor, Bikaner House, New Delhi.