The JoMaye Exhibition Brings Together Menon, Gita Hudson and Asma Menon in Bengaluru

When you step into the newly renovated hall of the Bengaluru Arts Centre this weekend, you’re greeted by a burst of colour, texture and quiet conversation. The JoMaye exhibition – a collaboration that feels as much like a conversation as a collection – opens its doors to the public, and the buzz is palpable.

At the heart of the show are three distinct voices: the incisive paintings of Menon, the immersive installations of Gita Hudson, and the lyrical sculptures crafted by Asma Menon. Each artist brings a different lens, yet together they weave a narrative that feels surprisingly cohesive.

Menon’s canvases, layered with bold strokes and subtle glazes, explore themes of identity and urban flux. A large, almost chaotic, piece titled “Metro Pulse” pulls you in with its restless energy, while a quieter work, “Silent Alley,” offers a contemplative pause. It’s as if the city itself is speaking through brush and pigment.

Gita Hudson, meanwhile, turns the space into an experiential playground. Her piece “Echoes of the Monsoon,” a multimedia installation of rain‑soaked fabrics, hidden speakers and projected silhouettes, invites visitors to wander, listen, and perhaps feel a drop of nostalgia for a season she never truly experienced. The subtle hum of water sounds blends with the rustle of fabric, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and expansive.

Then there’s Asma Menon, whose sculptural works seem to grow out of the very walls they inhabit. Using reclaimed wood, metal scraps and glass shards, she constructs forms that are at once delicate and resilient. “Fragmented Roots,” a towering assemblage, hints at cultural continuity amidst rapid change, while “Transient Glass” captures a fleeting moment of fragility and strength.

What ties these works together isn’t just the physical proximity in the gallery, but a shared curiosity about how we navigate modern life. The curators, aware of this thematic thread, have placed the pieces deliberately – Menon’s bustling canvases flank Hudson’s immersive room, while Asma’s sculptures sit in the transitional corridor, offering a meditative bridge.

The opening evening featured a talk with the artists, moderated by local art historian Priya Rao. Their discussion, punctuated by laughter and occasional thoughtful silences, revealed personal stories behind the pieces – late‑night studio sessions, family histories, and the occasional bout of creative doubt.

For anyone curious about Bengaluru’s evolving cultural tapestry, the JoMaye exhibition is a must‑see. It not only showcases talent but also prompts visitors to reflect on their own place within the shifting urban landscape. The show runs until October 15, with guided tours every Saturday.