Nikhil Chopra (MFA painting and drawing 2003) Exhibits in Japan

Chalo! India: A New Era of Indian Art
22. November 2008 until 15. March 2009

Mori Art Museum Tokyo, Japan

“Chalo” is Hindi for "Let's go." With the words "Chalo! India" (Let's go! India), we invite you to discover an explosion of creativity and vitality in Indian contemporary art. "Chalo! India" will take you on a journey through more than 100 works by 27 artists and artist groups from all over India. Encompassing a broad range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography and installation, this exhibition examines the latest movements in Indian contemporary art.

Following independence from Britain in 1947, Indian artists began exploring new forms of artistic expressions—drawing inspiration and ideas from Western modernism, and India's own distinctive culture. Over the next 60 years, new types of work that powerfully embodied political and social critiques emerged. More recently, Indian artists have been making works that respond to urbanization and changing contemporary lifestyles—art that reflects the rapid economic development, and globalization that has taken hold since the 1990s. Today the lively Indian art scene is spreading its wings both at home and abroad, and has been attracting a great deal of international attention.

"Chalo! India" is a significant survey of new Indian art, including a sociological research project involving architects and intellectuals, and state of the art interactive media work—as befits an IT giant such as India. Most people see India in terms of its rich and influential history, its Gods and devotion, Bollywood movies, or its awakening as an economic giant. However, there is so much more to the complex and dynamic India of today. “Chalo! India” explores and celebrates the depth of this country; the contradictions of its society, the dreams and hopes of its people, and its energy and passion toward the future.


Yokohama Triennale 2008 - Time Crevasse
13. September 2008 until 30. November 2008
Yokohama, Japan

The Yokohama Triennale series of international exhibitions of contemporary art, first held in 2001, will make its third exhibition in 2008. Based on the comprehensive exhibition theme set by the artistic director, a diverse range of artworks—including videos, installations, photography, painting, and sculpture—by about 60 to 70 selected artists from many countries will be put on display.

While showcasing newly-released artworks of the cutting-edge contemporary art around the globe, the Triennale will also feature many site-specific works highlighting the distinctive charms of the host city so that it will unfold the large extravaganza of art. Vigorous supplementary events will be conducted during the exhibition period, including symposiums to flesh out the Triennale concept and the workshops and gallery talks to enhance the dialogue among the artists, participants, and the visitors. The Triennale will also seek to establish and strengthen ties with art organizations and other international exhibition secretariats in Japan and abroad.