Gallery G’s ‘On the Go’ Arrives in Hyderabad: Gitanjali Maini on Breaking Gallery Norms and Taking Indian Art to the World
Featuring artists from M.F. Husain and V.S. Gaitonde to regional masters and bold contemporary voices, the second edition of Gallery G’s travelling show lands in Hyderabad with a fresh cultural narrative.
After a stellar debut in Kochi, Gallery G’s innovative travelling art exhibition On the Go makes its way to Hyderabad from July 11th to 13th, 2025, at Taj Krishna. The show brings together India’s artistic richness—from progressive modernists and regional stalwarts to bold contemporary talents. Spearheaded by Gitanjali Maini, founder & managing director of Gallery G and managing trustee of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, this edition is curated to reflect Hyderabad’s historic depth and contemporary sensibility.
In this exclusive conversation, Maini shares her curatorial vision, how On the Go is transforming art engagement, and the timeless relevance of Indian masters like Raja Ravi Varma.
Can you share about the inception of Gallery G and On the Go?
Gallery G started over two decades ago with a simple intention—to make good art accessible, appreciated, and part of everyday life. Over the years, we’ve worked with legends and first-timers alike, and it’s been a joy to see how art transforms both space and spirit.
On the Go is a natural evolution—it’s an agile platform that breaks the boundaries of the white cube gallery. It lets us take art directly to collectors across cities, cultures, and contexts. Think of it as Gallery G, but mobile, nimble, and plugged into newer audiences.
How did you approach curating the Hyderabad edition?
Hyderabad has a layered history, a strong sense of legacy, and a quietly evolving appetite for contemporary art. While curating for this edition, I kept that balance in mind—to bring works that feel rooted but still spark something new. You’ll see a mix of tradition and innovation—from bold abstracts to lyrical figuratives—with both emerging and established voices in conversation.
What drives your selection of artists—whether they’re emerging or established?
For me, it’s never just about the work—it’s about the artist’s journey, voice, and sincerity. I look for integrity in process and clarity in vision. Whether it’s someone just starting out or someone with a deep archive, I like artists who are evolving—not just repeating a formula.
As a curator, I don’t want to dictate meaning; I want to create space for connection. The work should breathe—surprise, provoke, or just sit quietly and grow on you.
What role do exhibitions like On the Go play in today’s art ecosystem?
The art world is shifting—and that’s a good thing. Shows outside galleries democratise access. They open up new venues for engagement and invite a much wider public into the fold. Not everyone is comfortable walking into a gallery space—so when art moves out into homes, hotels, or heritage buildings, it allows for discovery in a more organic way. That spontaneity has great value.
How do you see the current state of art appreciation and art buying?
People are far more curious today. Thanks to social media and smarter audiences, there’s genuine interest in stories, context, and craft—not just big names. That said, the market still leans toward the familiar, and that’s where galleries and curators play a role—to introduce, explain, and gently push boundaries. It’s an exciting time because the collector base is expanding, and they’re younger, global, and more engaged.
What is the evolving role of galleries like Gallery G and your foundation?
Gallery G is not just a space—it’s a platform. We act as bridges between artists and audiences. Our job is to support the artist’s vision, curate meaningfully, and ensure transparency in the ecosystem
The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation, where I serve as managing trustee, is deeply invested in documentation, preservation, and education. We work to build an authentic narrative around Ravi Varma’s art and era and ensure his legacy isn’t just preserved but made relevant to newer generations.
How relevant is Raja Ravi Varma’s work in building India’s global cultural identity?
Absolutely relevant. Ravi Varma was one of the earliest artists to blend Western techniques with Indian themes—he brought Indian mythology into the visual mainstream. In a way, he was India’s first modernist and its first visual mass communicator. His art holds immense potential to speak to global audiences, not just as history, but as a symbol of cultural identity and visual storytelling.
As a foundation, we’re actively working on taking his work—and the questions it raises—into more global platforms through research, collaborations, and critical discourse.
Where do you see Indian art in the global context?
Indian art is at a tipping point. The world is finally ready to look beyond the West, and Indian artists—both from the past and present—have so much to offer in terms of narrative, technique, and philosophy. The challenge is to build the right infrastructure—thoughtful curation, stronger archives, and deeper engagement. If we do that, Indian art can command not just attention but sustained respect globally.
‘On the Go’ Hyderabad Edition—Highlights
📍 Venue: Taj Krishna, Hyderabad
📅 Dates: July 11–13, 2025
🕛 Timings:
Friday, 11 July: 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday, 12 July: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, 13 July: 11 AM – 6 PM
Featured Artists
Masters: M.F. Husain, V.S. Gaitonde, S.M. Pandit, Yusuf Arakkal
Contemporary voices: Ganapathy Hegde, Bharati Prajapati, Sangeeta Baid, Jai Khanna, Avinash Veeraraghavan, Leon, Bhiva Punekar, Rabin Dutta
From Telangana: Surya Prakash, Redappa Naidu, and Srinivasulu
Traditional Art: Tanjore and Mysore paintings (e.g., Ram Pattabhisheka), Vishnavite icons, silver-filigree furniture, and Kerala sculptures like Bhagavati.
