Muziris Contemporary successfully opened The Primordial, a solo exhibition by senior contemporary artist Parvathi Nayar, on March 12, 2026, at its Colaba gallery. The exhibition, marking Nayar’s first solo showcase in Mumbai in nearly two decades, was met with an engaged and discerning audience comprising collectors, curators, artists, and members of the cultural community.
The opening evening saw an enthusiastic turnout, reflecting strong interest in Nayar’s multidisciplinary practice and the gallery’s vision to present significant voices in contemporary art. The exhibition also marks an important milestone for Muziris Contemporary, as it formally announces its representation of the artist.
Bringing together works from the past decade alongside new pieces from the celebrated Pepper Series first presented at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014,the exhibition offers a compelling overview of Nayar’s evolving artistic language. Her intricate graphite compositions and multimedia works drew particular attention for their depth, precision, and conceptual layering.
Over the weekend, the gallery further hosted an artist presentation and film screening on March 15, creating an intimate platform for audiences to engage more deeply with Nayar’s practice. The session saw thoughtful participation and dialogue, reinforcing the exhibition’s thematic exploration of ecology, perception, and the origins of life.
Drawing from the idea of the ‘primordial soup,’ The Primordial bridges science and mythology, inviting viewers to reflect on the elemental forces that shape existence. Nayar’s work continues to examine themes of sustainability, climate change, and ecological interconnectedness, with recurring motifs such as the ocean, cellular structures, and natural systems.
Speaking about the exhibition, Parvathi Nayar shared:
“The line I tread is between structure and dissolution, between conscious construction and something more intuitive. I am interested in that fragile moment when perception has not yet solidified into explanation when one is suspended between recognition and wonder.”
Joe Cyril, Founder and Gallery Director, Muziris Contemporary, added:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the response to Parvathi’s work in Mumbai. The exhibition brings together different phases of her practice, and the audience engagement has reaffirmed our belief in presenting nuanced, research-driven artistic voices.”
Muziris Contemporary, with spaces in Colaba and Fort Kochi-Mattancherry, continues to position itself as a platform for both emerging and established artists, fostering dialogue around contemporary practices rooted in cultural histories and evolving narratives.
The Primordial will continue to be on view at Muziris Contemporary, Colaba, offering audiences an opportunity to experience one of India’s most compelling contemporary artistic voices.
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