Kiran Nadar on influencing and preserving the art of tomorrow

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi offers an enthralling slice of Indian art history. A short walk through its galleries reveals a comprehensive collection of extraordinary works by progressive artists, unlike anything else in the country. At the helm of this cultural renaissance is Kiran Nadar—philanthropist, art collector, founder, and chairperson of KNMA. Since 2010, she has profoundly shaped and inspired the Indian art world by giving the country its first private museum. “I seriously began collecting around the 1990s. Over the years, my passion and curiosity for art grew, and so did my collection,” shares Nadar. For her, the process was organic: the more she collected, the stronger her desire to share it became. “I was acutely aware of the lack of institutional spaces that could bring visibility to art. This led to the creation of the first KNMA in Noida in 2010, followed by the second in Saket in 2011. Unlike the West, where museums are integral to education, India lacks a strong museum-going culture. Our mission is to change this by making art inclusive and critical to life. It brings me immense joy to know we are helping democratise art in the nation, transforming it into a shared cultural experience rather than an exclusive privilege,” she adds.

Today, KNMA addresses the lack of art promotion by amplifying global recognition of Indian and South Asian talent through discourses, symposiums, and curatorial initiatives that foster a vibrant art community. “At KNMA, we view museums not merely as repositories of art but as dynamic spaces for education, engagement, and inspiration. By contextualising art within historical, cultural, and contemporary narratives, we help individuals from diverse backgrounds connect with art personally and meaningfully. The goal is to nurture curiosity and ignite conversations that transcend the visual experience,” says Nadar.

Roobina Karode, director and chief curator, KNMA, highlights the evolving role of curators in India. “Our exhibitions often incorporate strong storytelling elements, emphasising the importance of narrative in curated spaces with curators playing a crucial role in shaping and reflecting the evolving landscape of Indian art. This substantial shift comes with huge responsibility and mindfulness that takes into cognisance other forms of knowledge, experience, and consciousness.

Karode elaborates, “Storytelling is a cornerstone of our exhibitions. It bridges the gap between the artworks and the audience, offering depth, context, and emotional resonance.” Over the past five to seven years, Kiran Nadar has developed a deep interest in classical Indian art, collecting court paintings and temple sculptures that inspired modernists. This journey has profoundly enriched her perspective, transforming her view of modern and contemporary Indian art. “It is no longer a singular or isolated narrative. Instead, it reveals layered connections linking the past to the present, demonstrating how deeply rooted Indian art is in its history while simultaneously evolving to reflect contemporary sensibilities,” she explains. KNMA’s collection of over 1,000 Indian court paintings fosters a deeper dialogue between tradition and modernity, connecting India’s artistic heritage with its contemporary expressions.

In India, exhibition-making and narrative-building have undergone a significant shift. Curators, once perceived as custodians of collections, now wear many hats—mediators, educators, storytellers, and cultural producers. They actively engage with artists and audiences to create exhibitions that are visually exciting, intellectually stimulating, and socially engaging. “Our curatorial philosophy is never linear,” says Karode. “It is informed by the need to contextualise artistic practices, emphasise themes, foster intergenerational dialogues, or spotlight under-represented artists whose contributions need recognition. As curators, we strive to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented while committing to creative discovery and supporting emerging artistic voices. For instance, our engagement with artists over the decades informs our retrospective exhibitions, such as those on Nasreen Mohamedi, Himmat Shah, Nalini Malani, Arpita Singh, Vivan Sundaram, Rameshwar Broota, and many more.”

Great art has no political borders, believes Nadar. “It has been appreciated globally from time immemorial.” KNMA is dedicated to fostering cultural dialogue within India and internationally. Its diverse exhibitions and programmes highlight the richness of Indian and South Asian art while creating platforms for cross-cultural exchanges. “Over 200 works from our collection are currently on view at The Barbican in London, Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the UK, MOMA PS1, and the Public Art Fund in New York. This underscores our dedication to supporting regional artists and sharing their work with broader audiences. The interest in our category is further evidenced by the recently staged 60th Venice Biennale, where over 60 works from the region were showcased on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms,” she adds.

Museums and art institutions are increasingly exploring new media and technological advancements to engage audiences. KNMA has embraced this shift by integrating digital art forms and exploring immersive exhibition models. “Our recently concluded exhibition, ‘The Rooted Nomad’ in Venice, featured a massive digital immersive section that became a highlight for visitors,” Karode tells Bazaar India. “New media is particularly effective in promoting curated exhibitions as it opens up new ways for audiences to participate and blurs the concept of time and space. The exhibition’s innovative installations and digital works created multi-sensory environments, transporting viewers into dynamic narratives about migration, identity, and belonging.”

Looking ahead, KNMA is set to expand with an ambitious new project: A 100,000 square metre (1 million square feet) architectural marvel in New Delhi. Scheduled to open in the next three to four years, this standalone building is envisioned as a dynamic cultural hub transcending boundaries and disciplines. “Our new home will feature ‘Collection Galleries’ dedicated to presenting the collection to the public. Anchored by the museum and the performing arts centre, the new KNMA will be a space where disciplines, formats, and audiences intersect, fostering innovative collaborations and meaningful interactions. This is the future of KNMA—a platform for cross-cultural collaborations and learning, welcoming audiences from all walks of life,” says Nadar. For art enthusiasts, KNMA has always been a place of confluence, where diverse voices spark creativity and deepen the understanding of the artistic ecosystem. This new chapter promises exciting possibilities and a stronger connection within the art-loving community. “The future is bright, and we look forward to shaping it together,” Nadar concludes.

All images: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar India, Jan-Feb 2025, print edition. 

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