11 new art shows in India this October are shaping a vibrant autumn for Indian art lovers, with gallery silver jubilees, solo shows, and cross-disciplinary experiments on the horizon.
Across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and beyond, curators are pulling together exhibitions that not only showcase contemporary practice but also highlight historical dialogues that continue to resonate. This October lineup offers something for seasoned collectors and first-time visitors alike, from immersive installations to intimate print rooms and bold public programs. Read on for our 11 picks, each offering a distinct doorway into India’s evolving art scene this October.
Top picks: 11 new art shows in India this October
1. Mumbai Gallery Silver Jubilee Retrospective
In Mumbai, a well-known gallery marks its silver jubilee with a retrospective that bridges decades of practice. The show threads archival material with new commissions, inviting visitors to trace the gallery’s evolving curatorial language. Expect bold canvases, delicate drawings, and a program of artist talks and live demonstrations throughout October.
As you move through the galleries, you’ll encounter early experiments beside late-career reflections, plus a program of talks and guided tours designed to deepen engagement with the collection. The mood is celebratory but anchored in critical conversation, making it an essential starting point for October’s art calendar in Mumbai.
2. Gulammohammed Sheikh: Printmaking Practice in Delhi
Gulammohammed Sheikh’s printmaking practice takes center stage in a Delhi installation that gathers rare etchings, aquatints, and expansive lithographs. The exhibition showcases Sheikh’s deft line work, textural depth, and inventive use of negative space across multiple printing techniques. It’s a deep dive into a significant body of work that shaped Indian printmaking.
Curatorial notes highlight how Sheikh’s practice evolved from drawing to print, revealing dialogues between image, process, and memory. Expect rare editions, large-format plates, and a few live printmaking demonstrations that bring the studio into the gallery space throughout October.
3. Emerging Voices: Delhi-based Collective at Khoj
Khoj Studio presents an ambitious group show that foregrounds emerging voices from Delhi’s independent scene. The selection spans painting, sculpture, video, and participatory installation, inviting visitors to collaborate and reflect on urban life. It’s a timely survey of the city’s new generation experimenting beyond traditional formats.
The program includes artist talks, hands-on workshops, and improvised performances that respond to the venue’s history as a space for experimentation. The show encourages slow looking and conversation, turning the gallery into a living studio for October.
4. Kolkata Modern Voices: A City Seen Through Time
At a historic Kolkata venue, curators assemble modern and contemporary works that trace the city’s artistic arc. The juxtaposition of mid-century canvases with contemporary experiments invites visitors to consider how Kolkata’s cultural memory informs present practice. It’s a thoughtful, accessible entry point for both locals and travelers.
Expect a measured installation rhythm that balances archive material with new commissions, and a program of readings that connects art with literature and history. The show aims to spark conversations about regional identity within a broader Indian art narrative this October.
5. Bengaluru Digital & New Media Explorations
Bengaluru hosts a bold program devoted to new media and digital art, inviting artists who experiment with VR, interactive installations, and networked projects. The space fosters audience participation through immersive chambers and co-created works that invite visitors to contribute their own narratives. It’s a forward-looking selection in a city known for tech and design culture.
Expect demonstrations, artist-led workshops, and panel discussions that unpack how technology reshapes perception and memory. This show makes October a key moment for those curious about the intersection of art and technology in India.
6. Chennai Textile Traditions in Contemporary Practice
Chennai presents a thoughtful show that brings traditional textiles into contemporary art discourse. The curators weave craft, identity, and critique through works that merge weaving, sculpture, and print. It’s a tactile reminder of craft’s resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing art world.
Visitors can expect close looking at texture and material and hear from practicing weavers and artists through mini-symposia. The exhibition foregrounds collaborative practice as a key mode of contemporary expression this October in the south.
7. Pune Sculpture Spotlight: Materiality in Public Space
A new sculpture-focused exhibit in Pune places material experimentation at center stage. From metal to stone to composite materials, the selections explore how sculpture engages public life and conversation. The show pairs indoor installations with select outdoor works in dialogue with city spaces.
Open studio days and guided tours offer context for visitors new to sculpture, while long-form talks discuss sustainability and conservation in outdoor works. October in Pune becomes a living laboratory for three-dimensional practice.
8. Delhi Printmaking Revival: A Return to Process
A curated collection highlights traditional print methods with a contemporary lens in Delhi. Expect a balance of etching, aquatint, lithography, and relief prints that reveal the discipline’s tactile richness. The exhibition emphasizes process as an artistic practice, not just a product.
Workshops invite visitors to try hands-on printmaking, guided by master printers and young practitioners alike. It’s a hands-on experience that invites inquiry into technique and collaboration this October.
9. Mumbai Photo Keepsake: Documentary Imagery in Focus
Photography takes center stage as Mumbai hosts a documentary photography show featuring emerging talents and established narrators. The works center memory, place, and social dynamics, offering intimate glimpses into life across Indian cities today. A strong curatorial voice ties the frames into a broader conversation about representation.
Gallery talks unpack the stories behind iconic frames, while portfolio reviews give photographers a chance to connect with editors and curators. If you love storytelling through image, this show will reward careful looking in October.
10. Ahmedabad Craft & Contradiction: Textile to Tech
In Ahmedabad, artists explore the friction between traditional craft and modern technology. The show pairs handloom with digital fabrication, inviting visitors to trace how old techniques translate into contemporary visuals. Interactive demos are scheduled on weekends through October.
For audiences curious about making and meaning, the exhibition offers studio visits and demonstrations that reveal the labor behind the final piece. It’s a thoughtful crossroad where craft meets computation this October in Gujarat.
11. Kochi Coastal Creatives: Art by the Sea
Coastal Kerala makes a splash with a program that threads marine-inspired imagery with local material culture. Expect luminous color, salt-air textures, and installations that respond to light and tidal rhythms. The show offers a refreshing counterpoint to urban programming and a celebration of regional practice this October.
Alongside the works, there are cultural talks about the sea’s influence on artists and a lively market featuring artists’ editions. If you crave a calmer, sun-soaked art experience, this October show in Kochi is not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these shows run?
The exhibitions span October 2025, with many opening receptions and ongoing programs. Check venue pages for precise timings and ticketing details.
Are these shows accessible for first-time visitors?
Yes. Most venues offer guided tours, introductory talks, and family-friendly programming designed to welcome newcomers to contemporary art.
Do I need tickets for all events?
Many exhibitions are free or low-cost, while some talks and studio visits require advance registration. Always verify on the venue site before you go.
Are there any accessibility options?
Yes. Venues typically provide wheelchair access, tactile guides, and reading rooms. Contact organizers in advance to arrange any specific accessibility needs.
In conclusion, October’s art shows present a diverse snapshot of India’s evolving contemporary practice, spanning silver jubilees, printmaking explorations, textile conversations, and digital experiments. If you’re planning a cultural itinerary this October, these 11 shows offer accessible entry points into technique, storytelling, and regional identity. Build your route, pace your days, and immerse yourself in India’s vibrant art scene this October.
