A new exhibition titled 'Resonant Histories' has opened at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum, running until 16 February 2026. It is the first show to focus on the relationship between Indian and Arab Modernism, featuring over 40 works lent by the Sharjah-based Barjeel Art Foundation alongside pieces from Mumbai's Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation (JNAF). The exhibition highlights visual and thematic resonances between artists from both regions, such as Syrian painter Marwan Kassab-Bachi and Indian master Francis Newton Souza, and addresses shared post-colonial struggles through works by artists like Chittaprosad Bhattacharya, Krishen Khanna, Abdul Qader Al Rais, and Naim Ismail. It also explores direct cultural exchanges, for example Egyptian artist Nazek Hamdi's adaptation of Bengali folk-art.
This exhibition matters because it pioneers a new art historical discourse that bridges Indian and Arab Modernism, challenging the traditional Eurocentric narrative of modern art. By placing works from the Bengal School alongside Arab artists and highlighting the role of the Non-Aligned Movement in fostering cultural exchange, the show opens a gateway for further research and collaboration. It also underscores the enduring relevance of post-colonial themes, such as displacement and liberation, in contemporary global contexts. The exhibition's curators hope it will inspire more regional dialogues and scholarship, making it a significant step toward a more inclusive art history.