It’s raining art: An artistic documentation of the season triggers memories of Mumbai monsoon

A photograph of Lamington Road by Abeer Khan

This writer enjoys the monsoon despite a few caught-in-the-rain moments, and not the romantic kind. While there are bhajiyas to fry and puddles to jump in, there are also potholes to avoid and endless traffic jams. This love-hate relationship with the season isn't new to anyone who has experienced the city during the rains. Looking to revel in this push and pull is The Monsoon Room, a show that engages with the local significance of the season to paint us a picture that we would find
only too familiar.

Pahli Barsaat By Jaidev Tripathy

Art curator Himanshu Verma, who shuttles between Mumbai and Jaipur, shares that the show includes elements of research and documentation, exploring and creating a map of the nuanced experiences of the monsoons in a mix of landscapes, objects, culture, and emotions. Set in an area made to mirror someone's personal room, the show invites viewers into a space that imbibes a moody tone with monotone works by three artists. This includes photographer and filmmaker Abeer Khan who documents aspects of the season through city stills; graphic artist Hiten Sondagar who shares new ways and patterns of looking at raindrops; and architect and artist Jaidev Tripathy who offers the monsoon experiences of a newcomer in the city through drawings and sketches of rain-washed avenues for a fresh perspective of the season.

Himanshu Verma and Sahil Arora

The show opens with its second Mumbai edition, after 2006, of The Monsoon Festival that celebrates its 17th year. The initiative focuses on rekindling the urge to respond to India's seasons and festivals to inform contemporary art. Sahil Arora, founder and curator, Method, says, "While we curate our shows in-house, having someone share their vision, handpick artists and their work, and bring it all together is a unique experience."

ON September 24 to October 16; 8 am to 10 pm
AT Method, Bandra.
LOG ON TO themethod.art
FREE