Past Forward at India Habitat Centre Delhi celebrates art as a reminder of its timelessness

“We live in the age of AI where time is racing rapidly and art is the only constant thing, says Vishal Goyal, art curator and promoter. He has put together Past Forward, an exhibition that reminds viewers while time is moving faster than ever and changing the social environment, memories are kept alive through art.

Vishal has curated 50 original artworks by five emerging contemporary Indian artists. Each piece in the collection of paintings, illustrations and, wearable art demonstrates the timelessness of art

A limited-edition Pashmina stole at the show titled The Power of Paranthas is stealing the limelight. Created by retired bureaucrat T K Manoj Kumar, the wearable stole is converted into a tangible canvas of history with hand-drawn elements that define Old Delhi’s Paranthe Wali Gali. “It is a symbol of cultural memory and my love letter to Purani Dilli where every wall has a story and the aroma of the place tells its own history,” says Manoj.

The exhibits rooted in innovative story telling and emotions, encourages viewers to construct dialogues between the past and the present. Presented by Dali by Comdez, Past Forward is an attempt to preserve heritage and human connection. The other artists include Hans Ram Yadav, Dilawar Khan, Pawan Sahu and Aditya who offer a layered interpretation of belonging and transformation through their creative pieces.

At Open Palm Court Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Colony; Till July 14; 9am to 10pm