Through ‘Kala Yatra 01’, artists from different regions of India are coming
together to create a quiet dialogue of colours at Vagator
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN
NT BUZZ
In a coastal convergence of contemporary art, 25 artists from across India will come together to exhibit at the art show ‘Kala Yatra 01’, presented by Kashni Art Group, which will be held at Ujjwal Art Gallery, Vagator, from January 25 to 29, 2026.
“This exhibition is about coming together and allowing art to speak across regions and generations,” says founder of Kashni Art Group and curator Prakash Jadhav. Goa, he says, felt like the right place for this journey. “When I experienced Goa for my exhibition here in November 2025, the heritage spaces, the forts like Chapora, and the overall atmosphere, I felt this was a strong platform for a show of this scale. Ujjwal Art Gallery has its own character, and Goa has an audience that is receptive and curious,” he says.
His son and co-curator Saksham Jadhav adds, “It has always been our dream to work collectively with senior artists and learn from their experience.”
‘Kala Yatra 01’ follows what Jadhav describes as the ‘Amrit Style’, an approach marked by timeless themes, layered textures, mixed media, and deep, expressive colours. While the exhibition shares a visual philosophy, artists have been given complete freedom in interpretation.
“I do not believe artists should be restricted by a theme,” says Uday Chari, who is one of the participating artists from Goa. “The idea settles into your subconscious and reflects naturally in the work. Art becomes a silent exchange where the viewer holds the power.” Exhibiting with artists from across the country, he states, creates a cross-cultural dialogue. “Seeing how others interpret your work often reveals layers you did not recognise yourself,” he says.
Chari also reflects on his personal journey back to painting after spending over two decades in radio. “Painting took a backseat, but it never left my core identity,” he says. “Every exhibition now feels intense. It is like catching up with myself, one canvas at a time.”
On the intent behind the works, Chari says, “I do not give answers through my work. I offer a space. What the viewer takes away depends on what they are open
to receiving.”
Excited about her participation, another local artist Rubina D’Souza says, “This is the first time the event is being held in Goa. I first met Prakash Jadhav at ‘Chitrasangam’, which was organised by Damodar Madgaonkar at Ujjwal Art Gallery in Vagator.”
Damodar, who himself is participating in this show, highlights his long-standing association with the curator. “We first connected in Mumbai, where he is a well known curator. I also participated in one of his exhibitions in Himachal Pradesh last year, and this show continues that creative association.”
The venue itself has played a key role in shaping the exhibition. Owner of Ujjwal Art Gallery Sudesh Prabhakar Pednekar recalls the origins of the collaboration. “When Jadhav participated in our group exhibition he was very impressed by the show’s quality and the response it received, and that led to the decision to organise ‘Kala Yatra 01’ here.”
(The exhibition will be
inaugurated on January 25 at 5.30 p.m. by Goan artist Rajendra Usapkar. It will remain open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
