All that is trending in the art, entertainment, and culinary world

From audacious art that’s rewriting the rulebook to cinematic moments sparking global conversation and culinary trends that have chefs in a chokehold, the world of creativity is in a constant state of reinvention. This season, it’s all about boundary-blurring collaborations, nostalgia-fueled revivals, and a fresh appetite for the unexpected. Consider this your cheat sheet to what’s making waves right now.

CREATIVE OEUVRE

Delve into the world of artist and poet Gulammohammed Sheikh as Kiran Nadar Museum of Art presents a landmark retrospective on the pedagogue’s creative journey. Showcasing more than 190 artworks, the exhibition will feature gouaches, oil paintings, digital collages, and installations. On display till June 30, it will also showcase archival material, including Sheikh’s poetry, writings, letters, and early publications, such as the magazines he collaborated on with artist Bhupen Khakhar. The retrospective maps Sheikh’s artistic evolution, beginning with his formative years in Baroda during the 1960s to his more recent works.

PAWS & PONDER

Grab Rohit Chawla’s Rain Dogs if you are in the mood for an evocative collection that blends photography, storytelling, and a touch of nostalgia. Each photograph, with a stray dog in the frame, feels like a still from a larger narrative, inviting the viewer to imagine what came before and what might follow. There’s a sense of longing, of transience—of people and places slipping through time. For those who love photography that tells a story, Rain Dogs is more than just a coffee-table book

NEW DESIGN DESTINATION

The Charcoal Project, India’s luxury interior and furniture brand by Sussanne Khan, comes to Hyderabad with a 
retail gallery. Spanning 35,000 sqft over six floors, the expansive space blends Khan’s aesthetic with innovative 
design. It features collaborations with Gauri Khan Designs, de Gournay, and the exclusive Sussanne Khan x Janavi collection. Explore unique furniture, art, and luxury decor, at this new design destination. “This space is a celebration of design at its finest—featuring unique works, limited-edition furniture, objects of curiosity, and a curated collection of fine art by talented artists,” says Khan.

THE SOUTH ASIAN LENS

If you’re in London between April 11 and June 21, 2025, don’t miss Un(Layering) the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists’ Voices at the SOAS Gallery. Presented by the Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation and supported by Dhoomimal Gallery, this exhibition features 26 emerging South Asian artists exploring tradition, memory, and socio-economic issues through mediums like painting, film, and installation. “...doing this in London feels like coming full circle, as we bring a regional lens to conversations around decolonisation,” share curators Manmeet K Walia and Salima Hashmi.

MODERNISTS’ INFLUENCE

Explore the evolution of Indian art as Thapar Gallery hosts its opening exhibition at its recently inaugurated space in Rajokri, Delhi. Works of artists like MF Husain, FN Souza and SH Raza, Ram Kumar, Krishen Khanna, Sakti Burman, Ramkinkar Baij, Himmat Shah, and others are being showcased at the exhibition, titled Celebrating the Modernists of Indian Art. The exhibition, which kicked off on February 21 and will continue till March 22, highlights the dominating influence of modernists on the national and global art scene. “Our inaugural exhibition spotlights 
their lasting relevance while fostering dialogue through artist-led programs and conservation initiatives,” says Ashish Thapar, founder of Thapar Gallery. 

HISTORY UNVEILED

Trace the history of the 1971 Liberation War at an exhibition, titled Kolkata to Dhaka, 1971: Through the Lens of Marc Riboud, at Kolkata Centre for Creativity from March 15 to 29. The exhibition will showcase over 40 iconic photographs by Riboud, documenting the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the refugee crisis, and the resilience of 
the people. It will be a tribute to the French photographer whose photography reflects the depth of human emotions in times of crisis.

A TASTE OF FRANCE

Craving a taste of the French Riviera? Step into the newly opened Café Monique at Delhi’s Khan Market, an enchanting escape into the elegance of the South of France. Conceived by serial entrepreneur Shivan Gupta and acclaimed chef Maxime Montay, this charming café is a Parisian dream brought to life. Drenched in the iconic 
blue hues of the Côte d’Azur, Café Monique exudes French charm with Baroque arches, artisanal blue tiles, and strategically placed mirrors that expand the space while doubling as perfect selfie spots.

It’s a multi-sensorial experience that delights at every turn—from the scent of freshly baked breads to the velvety richness of their signature Monique hot chocolate.“At the heart of Khan Market, we wanted to create an oasis where one can pause, indulge, and experience the Parisian way of life,” says founder Shivan Gupta. “You can sit in and savour our famous hot chocolate and pistachio croissant, or grab a takeaway and wander through the bustling market.” 

The menu, an ode to chef Montay’s South of France roots, is steeped in authenticity and culinary savoir faire. Each dish is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the purest flavours to shine.“Our philosophy is rooted in refined minimalism and mindful eating,” shares Chef Montay. “Every ingredient is carefully sourced, and each preparation is a testament to the art of restraint.” Even the packaging evokes the charm of Nice and Saint-Tropez, with its signature blue and white stripes reminiscent of sun-drenched beach umbrellas. 

All images: From the brands

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