Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Exhibition showcases Mumbai’s social evolution through 30 portraits
An exhibition called 'Face to Face: A Portrait of a City' is showing 30 portraits that tell the story of Mumbai's social and artistic changes from the 1800s to the 1900s.
These portraits show important people and communities that shaped the city's politics, culture, and daily life.
The exhibition includes works by famous artists and shows how portraiture was used to express power, identity, and community.
It's like a big picture book that helps us understand how Mumbai grew and changed over time.
The exhibition 'Face to Face: A Portrait of a City' features 30 portraits showcasing Mumbai's social and artistic evolution from the 19th to the 20th century.
Portraits include notable figures like Jaswatsingji Fatesingji, Dr B R Ambedkar, and Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy, reflecting the city's political and cultural history.
Artists such as Frank Brooks, V B Pathare, and M F Husain are featured, highlighting the transition from academic realism to modernist sensibilities.
The exhibition emphasizes the influential role of the Parsi community in Mumbai's cultural and philanthropic life.
Portraits are organized into sections focusing on princely representation, influential figures, the Parsi community, artists' self-portraits, and everyday Maharashtrians.
- Who
- Artists and figures who shaped Mumbai's political, cultural, and civic life
- What
- An exhibition of 30 portraits showcasing Mumbai's social and artistic evolution
- When
- 19th to 20th century, with the exhibition held during the Mumbai Gallery Weekend
- Where
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
- Why
- To explore the city's layered character and the role of portraiture in reflecting power, lineage, aspiration, and identity
- Exhibition Title
- Face to Face: A Portrait of a City
- Location
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
- Time Period Covered
- 19th to 20th century
- Notable Artists
- Frank Brooks, V B Pathare, Baburao Sadwelkar, M F Pithawalla, M F Husain
- Key Figures Portrayed
- Jaswatsingji Fatesingji, Dr B R Ambedkar, Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy
- Organizer
- DAG at The Taj Mahal Palace
- Event
- Mumbai Gallery Weekend
