After the success of the first edition of Origin Story in 2025, the second edition will continue to champion Indian contemporary artists, offering accessible yet conceptually rigorous works and fostering dialogue with new and young collectors.
In the context of the exhibition, Origin Story 2.0 traces the evolution of human creativity and rather than focusing on a singular moment, it focuses on multiple possible moments in material memory, thoughts, and imagination.
The idea of ‘reiteration’ offers an awareness of a world where craft, tools, numismatics, and early systems of measurement and governance are presented as foundational technologies that are then repackaged in a contemporary version or culture. Featuring a range of artists from across the country, each with their unique backgrounds and approaches, the exhibition offers a rich exploration of the creative process and their self-expression. The exhibition is also a part of India Art Fair’s Young Collectors’ Programme.
Talking about the Origin Story 2.0, guest curator Satyajit Dave says, “This particular exhibition explores beginnings as processes rather than fixed points in history. Effectively what we are trying to examine or explore is how crafts and material making become sites of enquiry where the idea of origin itself is then revealed as something that is a mode of enquiry, a part of daily use and is transformational. This approach moves away from a strictly chronological understanding of our past and future.”
Gallerist Rekha Lahoti mentions, “After the overwhelming response to Origin Story in 2025, in 2026 we are coming back carrying forward the same ethos. Origin Story 2.0 is a show for young collectors where the spotlight is on emerging arts. While our focus continues to be individualistic artistic practices, this edition looks more closely on materiality, the creativity in craft and the inspirations that shape the origins of thought.”
Artists include: Adarsh Baji, Ankon Mitra, Ansh Kumar, Bala Subramanian, Bishal Bauri, Bolgum Sai Aditya, Jayesh Sachdev, Jignesh Panchal, Kandula Sandeep, Keerti Pooja, Krupali Kathiriya, Kundan Singh, Kylmanroy L Mawlong, Om Soorya, P.K.P Alekya, Priyanka Aeley, Priyashakti, Rachana Badrakia, Radhika Kachar, Rajnish Chhanesh, Ramu Das, Roy K John, S.D. Hari Prasad, Sandipan Paul, Sanjoy Patra, Satadru Sovan Banduri, Shailesh Mohan Ojha, Subir Kumar Mondal, Sudheesh Kumar K, Sumit Sarkar, Suneel Mamadapur, Suvradeep Samanta, Tanmay Santra, Tapas Biswas, Urgain, V. Jengaiah, Vinod Daroz and Viraj Khanna.
Address: Sameksha Gallery, IILM Center for Arts and Ideas, 60, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, Mata Sundari Railway Colony, Mandi House, New Delhi – 110003.
Hours: Open everyday, 11 AM – 6:30 PM
In addition to this exhibition, Kalakriti Art Gallery is also displaying artworks at India Art Fair in Okhla, New Delhi from 5 – 8 February 2026. They will be exhibiting works by four contemporary artists, Debiprasad Bhunia, Mayadhar Sahu, Nabibaksh Mansoori, and Pragati Mathur, at Booth L06.