The Dia Collection makes its Indian debut at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, marking a new era of collaboration and innovation between India and the global art community.
The Dia Collection Lands in India for the First Time at NMACC Mumbai
A New Era of Collaboration and Innovation
Museums and cultural institutions are playing a crucial role in shaping the contemporary art scene in India, with many venues now embracing a more global outlook. The recent conclusion of the ‘India Art Fair’ in New Delhi highlighted the growing collector community’s eagerness to support Indian artists, while also reinforcing Mumbai’s emergence as a cultural powerhouse.
A Collaboration Born from Trust and Respect
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai has established itself as a hub for artistic innovation and collaboration. This is exemplified by the debut presentation of works from the Dia Art Foundation‘s collection, which marks the first time the foundation has brought its collection to India. The exhibition, titled ‘Light into Space,’ was conceived in collaboration with the NMACC and curated by Jessica Morgan, director of the Dia Art Foundation, and assistant curator Min Sun Jeon.
Located in Mumbai, India, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) is a state-of-the-art cultural complex designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Bjarke Ingels.
The centre features six performance venues, including an opera house, a concert hall, and a multipurpose auditorium.
With a seating capacity of over 5,000, NMACC aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and artistic collaboration through various performances and events.
Its design emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency, making it a notable example of eco-friendly architecture in India.
Exploring the Intersection of Light and Space
The exhibition brings together a group of artists who have pushed the boundaries of light and space as a medium. These pioneers, including Dan Flavin, Mary Corse, and Robert Irwin, have created works that inspire a slower, contemplative mode of engagement. Their use of light as a tool to create immersive environments finds an intriguing resonance with Indian traditional spirituality, where light is celebrated throughout the year as a symbol of purification, redemption, knowledge, and joy.
Established in 1974 by Heiner Friedrich and Martha Richards, the Dia Art Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative and experimental art.
Based in New York City, the foundation has played a significant role in promoting contemporary art through site-specific installations and exhibitions.
With a focus on conceptual and minimalist art, Dia has worked with renowned artists such as Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, and Agnes Martin.
Today, the foundation continues to evolve, exploring new ways to engage audiences with modern and contemporary art.
A Shared Language of Light
In both the artworks selected for the show and Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism, light shapes a positive experience of space on a sensorial and spiritual level. The exhibition draws compelling parallels between the immateriality of light and its potential to incorporate the viewer and surroundings in the experience of the work. This quality is shared by America’s metropolitan landscapes and India’s major cities, highlighting the global significance of this exhibition.
A Celebration of Light
The use of light in Indian culture is deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. The lighting of lamps, or deepas (diyas), is central to Hindu rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing wisdom and invoking blessings. The festival of Diwali, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, is a prime example of the significance of light in Indian culture.
A deepa, also known as a diya, is a traditional Indian lamp used for worship and decoration.
Typically made from clay or metal, these lamps are designed to hold oil or ghee and wicks.
In Hinduism, deepas are used to symbolize the light of knowledge and wisdom.
They are often placed in temples and homes during festivals like Diwali, where they are lit to represent the triumph of good over evil.
A New Platform for Artistic Exchange
The exhibition ‘Light into Space’ runs through May 11 at NMACC in Mumbai, providing a new platform for artistic exchange and collaboration between India and the global art community. This marks an exciting milestone in the development of the Indian contemporary art scene, as international artists and institutions continue to engage with local audiences and contribute to the growth of this vibrant cultural landscape.
‘Light into Space’ is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the arts. By bringing together artists from different cultures and backgrounds, this exhibition creates new connections and inspires a deeper understanding of the role of light in shaping our experience of space.
