Fresh Perspectives in Indian Art
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Young Collector’s Weekend Global Debuts in Bangalore
As India’s contemporary art landscape continues to evolve, a new wave of initiatives is ensuring that the next generation of collectors and connoisseurs are actively engaged with its emerging voices. One such standout is Young Collector’s Weekend Global, the flagship initiative of Cultivate Art, which is making its highly anticipated Bangalore debut on 22 May 2025. More than just an event, this marks the launch of Cultivate Art’s newest and permanent space — Abstract Art Gallery — located at 8, Cunningham Road in the heart of the city.
Founded in 2017 by noted art curator and cultural advocate Farah Siddiqui Khan, Cultivate Art has steadily built a reputation for championing new talent while fostering meaningful connections between artists and collectors. Through exhibitions, dialogues, and curated experiences, the organisation has become a key player in shaping India’s growing contemporary art scene.
Young Collector’s Weekend Global, launched in 2020, furthers this mission by aiming to cultivate a culture of thoughtful, informed art collecting. The initiative invites young and aspiring collectors to view art not merely as a decorative or aesthetic choice, but as a vital contribution to cultural preservation and dialogue. Its newest edition, curated by the widely respected art critic and writer Girish Shahane, creates an intimate, preview-style experience where visitors can explore works directly and understand the stories behind them.
The 2025 Bangalore edition features an eclectic and compelling group of contemporary artists, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to showcasing both established and rising talents from across India and beyond. Among the standout names is Harsha Durugadda, known for his sculptural work in stone and glass that challenges perceptions of space and material. Also featured is Sareena Khemka, whose installations navigate themes of impermanence and transformation, and Divya Pamnani, whose miniature-inspired artworks blend traditional motifs with marine abstraction.
Adding further depth and diversity to the show are Hansika Sharma, who captures the depth and tone of natural landscapes using the indigo dye tradition; Richa Arya, whose sculptures crafted from industrial scrap provoke questions about urban consumption and materiality; and Rewati Shahani, whose ceramic installations critically examine colonial narratives. International voices are represented as well, including Zarrin Fatima Shamsi, a Kuwait-based printmaker whose work touches on memory, femininity, and vulnerability.
“This is a particularly exciting moment for us,” says Farah Siddiqui Khan. “Opening in Bangalore with Young Collector’s Weekend Global marks a new chapter — not just for Cultivate Art, but for how we engage with the local collector community. We have always believed in nurturing new artistic voices and fostering real, thoughtful connections between creators and patrons. Bangalore’s culturally rich, curious, and informed audience is exactly the kind we want to grow with.”
Set within the new Abstract Art Gallery, the event is designed to be more than just a viewing; it offers immersive storytelling, direct artist engagement, and the opportunity to gain nuanced insight into the creative process. By bridging gaps between creators and collectors, the initiative hopes to build a new generation of culturally conscious patrons who understand that collecting art is as much about dialogue as it is about display.
With its emphasis on fresh narratives, diversity of practice, and intimate scale, Young Collector’s Weekend Global is poised to leave a significant imprint on Bangalore’s contemporary art calendar. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of art, this event offers a unique chance to engage with the voices shaping the future of Indian art.
