The Bespoke Art Gallery in Ahmedabad is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled "Global Treasures," curated by collector, advisor, and gallery founder Devin Gawarvala. The exhibition features nearly 60 works from both Indian and international artists, creating a unique dialogue between traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. This comprehensive showcase runs from August 31 through October 7, 2025, offering visitors daily access from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Gawarvala, recognized as one of the younger Indian art collectors with a global presence, has carefully assembled a diverse collection that spans multiple artistic mediums and cultural perspectives. The exhibition presents an impressive range of artwork including mixed media pieces, acrylics, textured paintings, sculptures, and installations. Traditional art forms are also prominently featured, with examples of Pichwai, Tanjore, and Persian-inspired artwork adding historical depth to the contemporary collection.
The exhibition draws inspiration from ancient cultures worldwide, with each piece exploring themes of heritage, continuity, and transformation. Visitors can expect to encounter works where folklore and memory blend seamlessly with imagination, creating what has been described as a varied collection of colors, forms, and philosophies. The carefully curated selection encourages viewers to reflect deeply on concepts of time, place, and shared human experience across different cultures and artistic traditions.
Among the distinguished Indian artists featured in the exhibition are several nationally and internationally recognized figures. Bajju Sir, a Padma Shri awardee and recipient of multiple state honors, contributes significant works to the collection. Keshari Nandan, who received the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award for Ceramics, brings his expertise in sculptural forms. Thota Vaikuntam, a National Film Award winner for Best Production Design, showcases his distinctive artistic vision.
The exhibition also highlights the work of Rini Dhumal, a distinguished artist who earned the Chancellors Gold Medal in 1972 and the Governors Gold Medal in 1974. Dhumal's international experience includes training under Professor K.G. Subramanyan and S.W. Hayter at Atelier 17, supported by a French Government Scholarship. Arun Pandit, recipient of the Lalit Kala Akademi National Award for Sculpture in 2010, contributes his sculptural expertise to the diverse collection.
Additional notable Indian participants include Karl Antao, who has received multiple awards including Best Solo Show at the India Habitat Centre and various Bombay Art Society accolades. Vipul Kumar brings his international perspective, having received Fulbright and Charles Wallace Fellowships and completed residencies in the United States, United Kingdom, and India. Ankon Mitra, winner of the 2018 All-India Gold Medal and 2020 Lexus Design Award, represents the younger generation of accomplished artists.
The exhibition proudly features works by legendary figures in Indian art, including K.G. Subramanyan, recipient of the Kalidas Samman, Padma Vibhushan in 2012, and Padma Bhushan in 2006. Himmat Shah, another distinguished artist, contributes works representing his career achievements, which include Lalit Kala Akademi National Awards, the Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Kalidasa Samman, and Fellowship of Lalit Kala Akademi.
The international component of "Global Treasures" features equally impressive artists from around the world. Gillie and Marc, globally renowned artists, bring their internationally recognized work that has been featured at prestigious venues including the Archibald Prize, Sculpture by the Sea, Chianciano Biennale, and Bayside Arts Festival. Their contribution adds significant international prestige to the exhibition.
Bobur Ismoilov represents Central Asian artistic traditions, bringing gold medals from the Academy of Fine Arts in Uzbekistan and active participation in international artist unions. Timur D. Vatz contributes his award-winning work, including recognition from the Guinness Prize at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, the A.T. Kearney Prize, and the B.P. Portrait Award from the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Other notable international participants include a diverse group of artists representing various creative approaches and cultural backgrounds. Muzaffar Ali, Christian Saldert, Walera Martynchik, Harshil Patel, Saroj Kumar Singh, M. Narayan, Jesus Curia, JP Kala, and Evelyne Brader-Frank each contribute unique perspectives to the exhibition's global narrative. This international representation demonstrates the universal language of art and its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
Beyond the static exhibition, "Global Treasures" includes an educational component designed to foster artistic development and cultural exchange. The gallery supports interactive workshops where emerging artists can learn directly from experienced practitioners featured in the exhibition. These workshops provide valuable opportunities for younger artists to share ideas, exchange techniques, and gain insights from established masters in various artistic disciplines.
Gawarvala emphasizes the exhibition's deeper purpose, stating, "Art bridges past and present. Each work in Global Treasures tells a story of human heritage, aiming to engage with every viewer." This philosophy underlies the entire curatorial approach, which seeks to create meaningful connections between diverse artistic traditions and contemporary viewers. The exhibition serves as a testament to art's power to connect different histories, cultures, and imaginations through shared creative expression.
The "Global Treasures" exhibition represents more than just a display of artistic works; it functions as a cultural bridge connecting various artistic traditions and contemporary expressions. Visitors to the Bespoke Art Gallery can experience firsthand how folklore, memory, and imagination combine to create powerful artistic statements that transcend individual cultural boundaries. The exhibition continues to welcome visitors daily, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of human creative expression through the lens of both traditional and contemporary artistic practices.
