Art meets memory at Nandita Desai’s ‘The Painted Window’ exhibition in Mumbai

Mumbai witnessed a memorable cultural evening as artist Nandita Desai launched her fifth solo exhibition The Painted Window at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery in Nariman PointThe show curated by Praful Satokar drew art lovers prominent personalities and close associates of the artistThe Painted Window will be now open to visitors until March 21 2026Venue Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery Nariman PointTime 11 am to 7 pm dailyDignitaries grace the openingThe exhibition was inaugurated by Nawaz Modi Singhania and Nidhi Choudhari who both shared personal reflections on Desairsquos work and journeyThe evening also saw the presence of noted guests such as Raell Padamsee Aneel Kashi Murarka and several artists and collectors from the cityrsquos art circleThe idea behind lsquoThe Painted WindowrsquoAt the heart of The Painted Window lies a simple yet powerful concept the window as a symbol of memory reflection and connectionThe exhibition showcases close to 50 artworks created on a mix of vintage and handcrafted windows Desai reimagines these everyday architectural elements as artistic expressions that encourage viewers to reflect on their inner selves while also engaging with the outside worldMany of the windows used in the artworks have been sourced from abandoned or demolished homes while others have been specially crafted using repurposed wood Each piece carries a quiet sense of history intimacy and renewalA personal and emotional connectionDuring the inauguration Nawaz Modi Singhania shared a personal connection recalling Desai as her professor of Ancient Indian Culture during her time at St Xavierrsquos College She remembered Desai as an engaging and lively teacher who made even complex subjects interesting and easy to understand She also praised the artworks describing them as visually captivating and a true reflection of Desairsquos artistic talentNidhi Choudhari reflected on the deeper emotional meaning of windows describing them as silent witnesses to lifersquos many moments dreams conversations joy longing and memories She pointed out that the use of windows from ordinary homes rather than grand or decorative structures gives the exhibition a strong sense of relatability According to her viewers may find echoes of their own lives in these works whether through memories of a childhood home a grandparentrsquos house or familiar everyday spacesBlending materials and memoriesDrawing inspiration from her own childhood especially memories of moving homes and spending time by windows Desai approaches these structures as metaphors for balancing onersquos inner world with the outside environmentHer artistic process involves a rich mix of materials including glass colours natural oxide polishes stains varnishes wax crayons shellac oils acrylics pastels jute and hemp This diverse use of mediums highlights her preference for natural textures and layered surfaces resulting in artworks that feel both nostalgic and contemporary deeply rooted in history yet expressive in a modern context