Set Your Weekend to Art Mode: Your Guide to the Coolest Stops at Mumbai Gallery Weekend

Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a curious first-timer, or just someone looking to trade Netflix for a vibrant city-wide art spree, Mumbai Gallery Weekend (or MGW as it’s popularly come to be known) has something for everyone. This four-day extravaganza from 9th to 12th of January 2025, transforms the city into a sprawling open-air museum, showcasing the best of contemporary art from India and beyond.

Why is MGW such a big deal? Well, it’s not just about pretty pictures and gallery hopping (though, yes, there’s plenty of that). It’s about diving into stories, ideas, and creativity that make you see the world differently. And this year’s MGW hits differently. It’s not just about what’s on the walls; it’s about the conversations happening around them. From the intersection of gender and art to the role of photography in preserving culture, there’s a lot to unpack—and that’s what makes it exciting. So, whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or just looking for a cool new way to spend your weekend, Mumbai Gallery Weekend has got your back. Plus, with galleries like Tarq, Chemould CoLab, Chatterjee & Lal, and more, you’re guaranteed to leave inspired (and maybe a little smug about how cultured you are).

With cutting-edge exhibitions, insider talks, and some iconic artists making waves, MGW 2025 promises to be one for the books. So, grab your tote bag, charge your phone (you’ll need it for all the pictures you’ll want to take), and let’s set your weekend to art mode. Here’s your cheat sheet to the must-see moments.

1. “And I Want to Travel Blind” by Kausik Mukhopadhyay at Chatterjee & Lal

Ever wondered what happens when art meets engineering, with a sprinkle of whimsy? Enter Kausik Mukhopadhyay’s “And I Want to Travel Blind” at Chatterjee & Lal. Featuring monumental kinetic sculptures that have been four years in the making, Mukhopadhyay’s creations are as intricate as they are mesmerizing. Think ships that move, watchtowers that hum with sound, and a gallery space dominated by playful, larger-than-life forms.

But there’s more beneath the surface—this isn’t just about cool machines. Mukhopadhyay uses his art to nod at contemporary issues, like surveillance and our evolving relationship with technology. The title, borrowed from Leonard Cohen’s song Suzanne, adds a poetic touch to the sense of exploration and discovery embedded in the show.

Don’t miss: The element of play in every piece, which invites you to interact and imagine, while also sparking conversations about the world we live in. It's big, bold, and totally worth your time.

2. “Chants from the Hollow” by Shailee Mehta at Chemould CoLab

Shailee Mehta’s “Chants from the Hollow” is where the personal meets the cosmic, and it’s her big solo debut in India—what better way to dive into Mumbai Gallery Weekend? Her work, fresh off a 2024 residency at CoLab, is all about the body and the land: their contradictions, their beauty, and the stories they tell. Think fluid, feminine forms that blur the line between natural and otherworldly, with a shift towards abstraction that feels raw and instinctive.

Here’s the kicker: Shailee will be at the gallery all weekend. Chat with her, geek out over her process, and hear her spill about how she brings her visions to life. It’s art that’s deeply personal but resonates universally—don’t sleep on this one.

Pro tip: Catch her talking about her pieces in person. It’s like getting a backstage pass to her mind, and trust us, it’s worth it.

3. “Land That Lives Through Us” at Art & Charlie

Art & Charlie’s “Land That Lives Through Us,” curated by Khushboo Jain, is a poetic exploration of heritage, memory, and identity through the lens of the miniature tradition. Featuring works by artists like Anahita Alavi, Ayesha Amjad, Gopa Trivedi, Jayant Silva x Ravi Kumawat, Manjot Kaur, and more, this exhibition breathes contemporary life into intricate, small-scale forms. Each piece invites viewers to reconsider history and culture, challenging dominant narratives while celebrating underrepresented voices.

This exhibition highlights the power of subtlety, where every detail holds significance, and the “small” rewrites big stories about space, representation, and collective memory.

Don’t miss: The chance to immerse yourself in this beautiful, decolonial reimagination of South Asian heritage.

4. “BRAIN ROT: The Life You Live?” by Viraj Khanna at Tao Art Gallery

Viraj Khanna’s “BRAIN ROT: The Life You Live?” is the art-world equivalent of holding up a mirror to our chaotic, screen-obsessed lives—and it’s as hilarious as it is unsettling. With bold fiberglass sculptures, textiles, and collages, Khanna dives into the psychological toll of tech addiction and the overconsumption of low-value content (yes, we’re all guilty). Satirical and absurd, the works poke fun at modern lifestyles while making you question your own daily scroll.

Don’t miss: The wildly exaggerated sculptures that scream “Brain Rot” in 3D—and yes, that’s literally Oxford’s word of the year for 2024. Come for the colour, stay for the existential crisis.

5. “Grounded” by Soghra Khurasani at TARQ

Soghra Khurasani’s “Grounded” at TARQ is all about reconnecting—with nature, with ourselves, and with the Earth that holds us together (even when greed and inequality try to pull us apart). Her latest prints mark a shift from bold, dramatic landscapes to quieter, deeply introspective works that pack a punch without raising their voice.

Don’t miss: This stunning, meditative take on the shared human experience, brought to life by an artist whose accolades span from the Queen Sonja Print Award nomination to a standout mention at the 35th Ljubljana Biennale. It’s art with heart, and a lot of soul.

6. Panel Discussion: "On the Cusp of the Eighth Day" at Gallery XXL

Join the Aravani Art Project and curators at Gallery XXL for a powerful panel discussion on the role of art in breaking boundaries and amplifying the voices of India’s transgender community. Celebrating 9 years of their practice, the collective reflects on how their work—spanning street murals to institutional exhibitions—challenges stigma, tackles systemic inequality, and celebrates the intersectional realities of trans-ness, gender, and community.

Don’t miss: Insights into the exhibition “On the Cusp of the Eighth Day,” featuring canvases, photographs, and testimonies that turn art into a tool for joy, connection, and radical change. This is where art meets activism, with plenty to inspire and reflect on.

Quick FAQs for the Weekend:

• Where do I start? Head to MGW’s website or Instagram (@mumbaigalleryassoc) for maps, schedules, and insider tips.

• How much does it cost? Free! Yup, zero excuses.

• Is there a dress code? Gallery-hopping can mean a lot of walking—opt for shoes you can stroll in all day.

• Any etiquettes to keep in mind? Seats fill up fast, especially for highlights like the Aravani Art Project panel.