Sun Feb 22 05:14:18 UTC 2026: Headline: “Moving Archives” Exhibition in Delhi Sparks Dialogue on Cultural Memory and Artistic Documentation

The Story:
The “Moving Archives” project at Bikaner House in Delhi, running until February 23, 2026, challenges conventional notions of archiving by positioning it as a parallel narrative to artistic production rather than a mere afterthought. Curated by Ranjita Chaney and Ruchika Soi, the exhibition features works from 22 artists and seeks to explore who records culture, who is recorded, and who is written out of the historical narrative. Through curated walkthroughs and planned podcasts, the project aims to foster public engagement and extend the conversation beyond the gallery space, examining various cultural and social practices.

Key Points:

  • The “Moving Archives” project at Bikaner House questions the dynamics of cultural recording and representation.
  • The exhibition features works by 22 artists, curated by Ranjita Chaney and Ruchika Soi.
  • Artists like Pooja Iranna showcase their artistic trajectories, juxtaposing older and newer works.
  • Nandan Ghiya explores the impact of digital archiving on the transmission of information.
  • The project includes public engagement initiatives like curated walkthroughs and planned podcasts.
  • The exhibition runs until February 23, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The exhibition emphasizes the importance of archiving as an integral part of artistic practice and cultural preservation.
  • “Moving Archives” aims to broaden the scope of archiving beyond documentation, considering the social and political implications of who gets remembered and how.
  • The project encourages dialogue on representation, cultural memory, and the impact of technology on artistic expression.
  • The initiative seeks to engage the public in conversations about art, culture, and their historical context.

Impact Analysis:

The “Moving Archives” project has the potential to significantly impact the Indian art scene by:

  • Raising Awareness: It highlights the crucial role of archival practices for artists and cultural institutions, potentially leading to better documentation and preservation efforts.
  • Shaping Future Narratives: By questioning existing power structures in cultural recording, the project can contribute to a more inclusive and representative art history.
  • Encouraging Artistic Innovation: The focus on the interplay between the real and digital realms may inspire artists to explore new forms of expression and documentation.
  • Fostering Public Engagement: Through its interactive programs, “Moving Archives” can attract a wider audience to contemporary art and cultural discourse.

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