Rama Galleria at Rama World, Raipur, is set to formally open its doors as a contemporary art gallery with the launch of Pehchaan by Kadam, a three-day curated art residency and exhibition scheduled from January 8 to 10, 2026. Marking the venue’s first cultural initiative, the event signals Rama Galleria’s entry into Central India’s growing contemporary art landscape.
Positioned as a premium lifestyle destination, Rama Galleria is now extending its identity beyond design and décor to include cultural programming, creative dialogue, and artistic exchange. With Pehchaan, the space aims to establish itself as a platform for meaningful artistic engagement rather than a conventional exhibition venue.
A Residency Built on Process, Not Pressure
Curated by Kadam, an artistic platform founded by Sarita Agrawal, Pehchaan is rooted in the idea that impactful art needs time, trust, and a supportive environment. Unlike typical exhibitions that prioritise finished works, the initiative is designed as a residency-first programme, allowing artists to immerse themselves fully in their creative processes.
Ten artists from across India have been invited to participate, working in a focused setting that encourages reflection, experimentation, and dialogue. The residency removes the pressure of immediate public display, allowing ideas to develop organically before being presented to audiences.
This process-driven approach distinguishes Pehchaan from conventional gallery shows and reflects a broader shift in contemporary art practices that value depth, context, and sustained engagement.
A Diverse Group of Contemporary Voices
The participating artists represent a wide spectrum of styles, mediums, and thematic concerns. Ram Dongre’s layered canvases explore memory, time, and cultural traces, while Sheikh Hifzul draws from folklore and lived experiences to create narrative-driven works. Hukum Lal Verma brings expressive abstraction shaped by intuition and colour, and Tushar Waghela questions belief systems and contemporary realities through conceptual explorations.
Sunil Kumar Yadav’s mixed-media practice uncovers hidden dimensions within everyday objects, while Ashish Kushwaha finds inspiration in rural life and traditional visual culture. Chandrapal Panjre transforms hand-stitched textiles into meditative reflections on rural memory and labour. Mrinal Dey is known for satirical figurative works that comment on daily socio-political life, while Nitish Sharma’s vibrant compositions explore cosmic space and human interconnectedness. Completing the group is Shubhagnil Singh, a multidisciplinary artist whose practice bridges visual art and cinema.
Together, the artists bring varied regional, conceptual, and material perspectives, creating a layered and inclusive snapshot of contemporary Indian art.
From Residency to Public Exhibition
The residency will culminate in a curated public exhibition at Rama Galleria, offering audiences a chance to engage with works that have evolved within the space itself. Alongside the exhibition, the programme will include artist dialogues and media interactions, encouraging conversation between creators, curators, and the public.
As the first public showcase at the newly launched art gallery, Pehchaan sets the tone for Rama Galleria’s long-term cultural vision. The space plans to host curated exhibitions and sustained residencies, positioning itself as a dedicated hub for contemporary art in Central India.
Curatorial Vision Behind PEHCHAAN
Speaking about the philosophy behind the initiative, Sarita Agrawal, Founder of Kadam, said the project reflects a belief in nurturing creativity through patience and trust. She noted that when artists are given room to explore, reflect, and experiment, the resulting work carries greater authenticity and depth.
By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds, Pehchaan aims to foster dialogue and deeper engagement with contemporary art, offering both creators and audiences an experience that goes beyond the traditional gallery format.
Where Lifestyle Meets Culture
Rama Galleria is widely known for its premium home décor, furnishings, textiles, and lifestyle offerings. Designed as an immersive experiential destination, the space emphasises aesthetics, craftsmanship, and design-led living.
By hosting Pehchaan by Kadam, the Rama Group reinforces its vision of creating destinations that extend beyond commerce. The initiative reflects a conscious effort to integrate lifestyle, art, and culture, offering visitors an environment that is both visually engaging and intellectually enriching.
With this debut cultural programme, Rama Galleria positions itself not just as a lifestyle address, but as a growing cultural landmark for Raipur and the wider Central India region.
