(Un)layering the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists' Voices at SOAS Gallery, London
A new contemporary exhibition has just opened at the SOAS Gallery (previously called the Brunei Gallery, when I was a student there). The show presents 26 emerging and established artists from six South Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan. Many of these artists are exhibiting in London for the first time.
The show is spread over three levels of the SOAS gallery – the entrance is on the ground floor, this level features large textile works and paintings. These works include Screen Weaves ll (2024–2025), by Sher Ali, made in collaboration with women embroiderers in Kabul. Another embroidery work on show is by Varunika Saraf, The longest revolution II (2024), representing women as empowered, united figures resisting state oppression. The tiny hand-embroidered figures are inspired by the wasli technique of Mughal miniature painting. On the lower ground floor you’ll find video installations, and VR headsets. Don’t miss the top floor… head upstairs to the Japanese Roof Garden to view the bubble-like works in the courtyard. These glass sculptures are by Ayesha Sultana, connecting folk tales to contemporary political struggles.
Glassworks by Ayesha Sultana.
Another one of the impressive artists exhibiting is Kubra Khademi, the Hazara artist and performer forced to flee Afghanistan after her 2015 performance Armor. Khademi presents a series of gouaches depicting the country’s precious resources. New Delhi-based artist, Aban Raza presents oil on canvas pieces linking themes of protest and violent repression, referring to caste oppression and the ongoing crisis of farmers’ suicides. From Sri Lanka, Hema Shiron will present My Family Is Not In The List (2024), an embroidered work tracing local histories of colonisation and civil war through tales of migration and nostalgic references to lost homes.
The exhibition is supported by The Ravi Jain Memorial Foundation - Ravi Jain, was the former director of Dhoomimal Gallery, India and a passionate promoter of Indian art. The foundation aims to promote emerging art and nurture young talent in India.
The exhibition is on now - until 11 June. Free entry.
Testing the VR headsets in the basement.
