It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In the magical embrace of December, India’s art scene takes on a special glow, resonating with the festive spirit of the season. As the year draws to a close, galleries come alive with exhibitions that not only showcase artistic brilliance but also capture the essence of reflection and celebration. From the National Crafts Mela in Chandigarh to a multidisciplinary arts festival in the scenic state of Goa, this list of December Art Exhibitions is a Christmas present to all our Indian art enthusiasts!
Dig in to see what’s in store this December!
1. The 13th Chandigarh National Crafts Mela
Imagine an event uniting over 1,000 folk artists and renowned national award-winning singers!
Topping the list of December Art Exhibitions is the 10-day Chandigarh National Crafts Mela that commenced on the 1st of December. This event promises a rich melange of live performances, with the inaugural day showcasing the renowned Sultana Nooran of the Nooran Sisters duo.
Following suit, Day Two brings the melodious tunes of Punjabi sensation Preet Harpal, succeeded by the foot-tapping rhythms of Lakhwinder Wadali on December 3. With a lineup that mirrors the diversity of India’s cultural heritage, this crafts mela is a vibrant celebration, hosting not only performances but also around 200 craft stalls showcasing exquisite handicrafts from different states of the country.
Folks in and around Chandigarh, attend this beautiful display of culture to have a vibrant start to the last month of the year!
When: 1st – 10th December 2023, 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Where: Kalagram, Manimajra, Chandigarh
2. Book of Gold: The Kanchana Chitra Ramayana of Banaras
Every 90s kid in India will relate to the feeling of huddling around the TV to watch the famous Ramayan show on Doordarshan. People in and around Bengaluru can now relive the nostalgia through this stellar exhibition lined up at the MAP!
Curated by the late Kavita Singh and Parul Singh, this exhibition illuminates the enduring vitality of the Indian painting tradition well into the nineteenth century. The exhibit unveils the narrative of a remarkable illustrated manuscript, the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana, created for the royal court of Banaras from 1796 to 1814. The manuscript, richly adorned with gold, features about 548 paintings, showcasing the scale and opulence of the project. This exhibition, presenting nearly eighty manuscript pages, explores the historical context, diverse artists, and imaginative narratives that characterize this monumental artistic endeavour.
When: On view till 8th March, 2024
Where: Museum of Art & Photography, Shanthala Nagar, Bengaluru
Contact: +91 80 6933 4100
3. India Art Festival
Art lovers of Bengaluru, get ready for four days of artistic abundance! The December edition of the India art festival is all set to take place in Bengaluru in a few days!
The India Art Festival (IAF), a prominent force in the contemporary art scene since 2011, has become a pivotal platform for mid-level art galleries and independent artists. With annual events in New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, IAF showcases approximately 75 galleries, featuring over 1500 artists and 15,000 artworks across 600 booths.
Like many of the December Art Exhibitions in this blog, the collective mission of IAF is to democratize art viewing and buying, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This dynamic celebration is a splendid offering and a unique opportunity to unite art enthusiasts, galleries, dealers, artists, collectors, and connoisseurs. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant showcase of creativity!
When: 14th – 17th December, 2023
Where: Palace Grounds, Gate no 5, Kings Court, Bengaluru
Contact: +91 8976044104 / 8976044105
4. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Looking for an exhibition that celebrates interweaving cultures and experiences? Italian artist Tarshito N. Strippoli’s solo exhibition, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The world is one family” is one that stands out from the list of December art exhibitions.
Curated by Tunty Chauhan, this exhibit captures the artist’s vision of a unified and borderless world. Tarshito has spent a career spanning forty-five years collaborating with artists globally. His map-inspired artworks, crafted collaboratively with indigenous artists across countries, vividly depict a world without boundaries, emphasizing the significance of connection beyond time and place.
For this exhibition, Strippoli actively collaborated with 25 traditional artists from across India to create his artworks. Bringing alive indigenous traditions such as Kalamkari and Kantha, the collaborative showcase takes viewers on a vibrant and engaging creative journey through the country’s rich artistic heritage.
Also read: Kalamkari Painting: Scroll Narratives And Block-Prints
When: On view until 30th December 2023, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mondays Closed
Where: Bihar Museum, Nehru Path, Patna, Bihar
Contact: 0612 223 5732
5. Serendipity Arts Festival
Planning a holiday to Goa this Christmas season? Make sure to include the Serendipity Arts Festival on your list!
The Serendipity Arts Foundation’s flagship project, the Serendipity Arts Festival, is an exciting annual multi-disciplinary arts event taking place in Goa every December. Covering a wide range of artistic expressions, including visual arts, performing arts, and culinary arts, the festival features a vibrant lineup of music, dance, visual arts, craft, photography, film, and theatre.
Going beyond just entertainment, the festival also delves into crucial social issues such as arts education, cultural patronage, interdisciplinary discussions, and promoting access to the arts.
The Serendipity Arts Festival is not just about performances and exhibitions; it’s a dynamic platform that fosters social and educational interactions, making it a unique and enriching experience for all participants.
Check this link to learn more about one of the biggest December Art Exhibitions!
When: 15th – 23rd December 2023
Where: Panjim, Goa
Contact: 011 4554 6121
Wrapping up
As we approach the end of this artistically packed year, we see how art becomes a mirror reflecting the year’s journey, making December exhibitions a captivating celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the promise of new beginnings.
We’ll be back next year with a bag full of more art exhibitions to discover!
Download the Rooftop app from Google Play or the App Store to stay updated on upcoming art events and workshops. Stay tuned to Rooftop blogs and follow us on Instagram @rooftop_app.
