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By Marcellus Baptista
Embarking on a visually compelling journey into landscape, geometric, gestural, and abstract forms, the Saloni Doshi Collection, presented by Space118 Art Foundation, opened its doors to the public with The Presence of Absence – works from the personal collection of Mumbai-based patron Saloni Doshi.
The exhibition, curated by renowned interior architect Kunal Shah, offers an expansive view into a world of form, colour, and riveting narratives that emerge from fragments of familiar yet unrecognised forms. Says Kunal Shah: “Non-figurative art isn’t that which stops before the creation of form; it is art that transcends beyond known structures. It can make us uncomfortable, perplexed enough to ponder on underlying meanings. To engage with the non-figurative is to read between the lines of what is visible and invisible. The Presence of Absence is an invitation to dwell in this space, where meaning emerges not from what is shown, but from what is withheld.”
The exhibition covers a wide range of media and art practices, including Viswanadhan’s bold, red hued work, freeing space from the esoteric notions of geometrical abstraction, M Krishna Reddy’s prints, reflecting his colour viscosity process, producing a range of extraordinary colours in his works, Zarina’s maps of Shahjahanabad (erstwhile Delhi), one of Mehlli Gobhai’s rare works in vivid colour, from the series, Don’t Ask Me About Colour circa 1970’s, Jyothi Basu’s plethora of minute geometric forms, Seher Shah’s etchings, studies of incomplete lines that lie somewhere in between architectural abstraction and music notations, Dashrath Patel’s paper on plywood collages, the fluid rhythmic structure in Manisha Parekh’s Wings series created through her use of harmonious forms taking on connotations of the human body and more.
“I’ve known Saloni and her collecting journey for over two decades. She possesses an intuitive eye, seeking out works that don’t just resonate with her but continue to speak to her, revealing new stories and insights as both she and the art evolve together. Through Space118 Art Foundation, she has also made remarkable contributions to the Indian art ecosystem by supporting artists through residencies and grants. Having shared our journeys as collectors over the years, it is truly a privilege to be in conversation with her,” says art collector Kavita Singh.
The exhibition is on till February 16, 2026.