“Lord Shiva in Abstract Form” Exhibition to Open at DWIJA Art Gallery, Bengaluru

A new contemporary art series titled “Lord Shiva in Abstract Form” will be presented at DWIJA Art Gallery, Bengaluru, on 4 and 5 April 2026. The exhibition brings together ten abstract works that explore philosophical interpretations associated with the idea of Shiva through a contemporary visual language. The series has been created collaboratively by artists Saikat Sarkar and Urmila Barman, who approach the subject through abstraction rather than traditional iconography. Instead of depicting the deity in figurative form, the artists use colour, texture, and layered compositions to reflect themes often connected to Shiva in Indian philosophy, such as stillness, transformation, energy, and cosmic balance. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, the artists combine contrasting tones and gestural movement to create compositions that encourage contemplative viewing. Deep indigo tones, layered textures, and bursts of light form visual structures intended to suggest motion, silence, and space. According to the artists, the series attempts to interpret spiritual ideas through contemporary abstraction. Artist Urmila Barman explains the conceptual approach behind the work: “For me, Shiva represents a state of awareness rather than a physical form. In this series, the intention was not to illustrate mythology, but to explore ideas such as silence, presence, and inner reflection through abstract visual language.” The collaboration brings together two distinct artistic approaches. Saikat Sarkar’s work often focuses on movement, energy, and structural composition, while Urmila Barman’s work explores introspection and emotional depth. The series reflects a dialogue between these two perspectives within a shared conceptual framework. The exhibition will present ten works from the series, each interpreting aspects of philosophical symbolism through abstract form. The complete series carries an estimated collective valuation of approximately USD 9.5 million. The gallery presentation is designed to create a quiet viewing environment that allows audiences to engage with the works individually. The exhibition is expected to attract collectors, art professionals, and members of the contemporary art community, as well as audiences interested in philosophical themes expressed through modern artistic practice. Event Details Exhibition Title: Lord Shiva in Abstract Form Artists: Saikat Sarkar & Urmila Barman Dates: 4–5 April 2026 Venue: DWIJA Art Gallery 4, Field Marshal Cariappa Rd, Srinivas Nagar, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025