
Celebrating India’s Women Printmakers at NGMA Mumbai
In the vast tapestry of Indian art, printmaking has long played a quiet but essential role. Often overshadowed by the more commercially dominant world of canvas painting, the art of printmaking—with its laborious processes and detailed techniques—remains one of the most intricate and intellectually engaging art forms. A new exhibition titled Nabha Sparsh, currently on view at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, shines a powerful spotlight on this underrepresented medium and the remarkable women behind its evolution in India.
Presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Nabha Sparsh is a landmark exhibition showcasing the works of 150 women printmakers from across the country. Running until May 25, 2025, this expansive and inclusive show not only honours the legacy of Indian printmaking but also celebrates the rich diversity and innovation that women artists bring to this meticulous craft.
Housed at the iconic NGMA on MG Road, in the heart of Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda art district, the exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of printmaking techniques—lithographs, etchings, aquatints, woodcuts, engravings, linocuts, and screen prints—all represented with both traditional and contemporary approaches. The display captures the artistic rigor required for each method while giving audiences a rare glimpse into the world of tools, processes, and textures that are foundational to the art form.
What makes Nabha Sparsh particularly significant is its focus on female practitioners. In a medium that often operates away from the mainstream, women printmakers have historically faced the dual challenge of working in a niche field while navigating the broader gender biases present in the art world. This exhibition seeks to rewrite that narrative by giving these artists a grand stage to showcase their work and voices. From seasoned masters to emerging talents, the show highlights an intergenerational dialogue among women artists who have contributed to shaping the visual language of print in India.
The title, Nabha Sparsh, loosely translates to “touching the sky,” which fittingly reflects the soaring ambition and resilience of the artists featured. Their works explore themes ranging from identity, environment, mythology, and urban life to personal memories and social commentary. Each print is a story in itself—meticulously composed, layered with meaning, and presented with stunning technical finesse.
Walking through the gallery, visitors are invited into a world where each line and texture has been thoughtfully etched, carved, or pressed into existence. The effort behind every piece—often involving days of preparation, experimentation, and precision—is evident in the final image. Printmaking, as the exhibition makes clear, is not merely a reproduction technique but an artistic journey.
Beyond the artworks, Nabha Sparsh also serves as an educational experience. The exhibition offers insights into the history of printmaking in India, the evolution of its materials and tools, and how women have carved a niche for themselves in the field over the decades. Informative panels, artist bios, and video displays enrich the viewing experience, helping visitors appreciate both the craft and the creator.
For Mumbai’s vibrant art lovers and curious newcomers alike, Nabha Sparsh is a must-visit. It challenges preconceived notions about what printmaking is and who its practitioners are. It elevates an overlooked medium and places women artists front and centre—exactly where they belong.
As the exhibition continues through May 25, 2025, at NGMA Mumbai, it stands as both a celebration and a statement—a declaration that Indian women printmakers are not only touching the sky but also leaving a lasting impression on the canvas of Indian contemporary art.