Hemali Vadalia's initial solo exhibition in Mumbai showcases a leisurely rhythm of life
Hemali Vadalia's debut solo show, titled "Red Earth and Pouring Rain", is set to open at Subcontinent in Mumbai, India, starting tomorrow. This exhibition of memory and metaphor invites viewers to experience the unhurried pace of daily life through Vadalia's paintings.
Vadalia's work weaves autobiographical narratives drawn from everyday domestic scenes, focusing on household chores, family moments, and intimate celebrations. Her paintings capture the fragility, resilience, stillness, and grace found in routine activities, reflecting on themes of vulnerability, care, and the rhythms of everyday life.
One of the key works in the exhibition is "Stargazers," a painting that draws nostalgia by depicting an everyday activity that used to be common but is now promoted as a tourism variety. Another notable piece is "Kombucha," which highlights modern health consciousness through the preparation of this drink in a messy kitchen environment, symbolizing a shift towards staying fit and healthy.
Vadalia's sharp and keen observations make her scenes come alive with detail, upholding the vulnerability and care of everyday life. Her work emphasizes the value of stillness and elegant grace found in seemingly repetitive household chores.
The exhibition runs from August 13 to September 11, 2025, and can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11 am and 7 pm.
In addition, Italian photographer Vittorio Sella's images of the Himalaya are displayed for the first time in Kolkata, also under the Art in Mumbai category. However, details about the themes or subjects of Sella's images are not provided.
Vadalia's work is her greatest virtue in capturing the viewer's attention, with her paintings depicting daily life with a relatable and intimate touch. The exhibition is significant for emphasizing the beauty and meaning in the mundane, inspired by Vadalia's own life experience, including surviving cancer, which deepened her appreciation for stillness and everyday moments. It invites reflection on how memory and metaphor interplay in constructing personal and collective narratives through art. The title "Red Earth and Pouring Rain" evokes a tactile connection to place and nature, complementing the intimate human scenes she depicts.
Decorated with paintings capturing the intimacies and cultural nuances of daily life, the home-and-garden ambiance of Hemali Vadalia's exhibit, "Red Earth and Pouring Rain," mirrors the lifestyle and traditions of Indian families. The events portrayed through Vadalia's work, such as "Stargazers" and "Kombucha," not only celebrate the resilience and grace found in routine activities but also highlight the evolution of Indian culture and health consciousness.
