Vartaman | An Extension

Vartaman | An Extension continued Yashika Sugandh’s poetic exploration of the delicate balance between humanity and nature at Black Cube Gallery, New Delhi, from October 4-31, 2025. Following the inaugural presentation at Bikaner House, this extended showcase offered audiences further engagement with Sugandh’s intricate visual language and ecological imagination.

The exhibition presented a nostalgic wonderland where whimsical hybrid creatures and anatomical fusions pose quiet, radical questions about coexistence. Sugandh collaborated with nature itself, incorporating twigs, wasp nests, butterfly cocoons, and found objects as mediums alongside her delicate drawings influenced by Indian miniature art techniques. Central to the body of work are recurring tree branch motifs, symbolizing interconnectedness and the nurturing essence of the natural world.

Through paintings, kinetic sculptures, and natural materials, Vartaman invited viewers to dwell in the present moment and contemplate humanity’s relationship with the environment. The work embodies the ethos of “Paropkar” or selfless service, challenging audiences to cultivate reverence for all living beings and consider nature’s silent resilience in the face of rapid urbanization. Presented by Sanya Malik of Black Cube Gallery, the exhibition offered a space for softening, noticing the fragile and barely-there aspects of our shared ecosystem.