A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle at the Royal Academy of Arts

What is the A Story of South Asian Art exhibition?

“A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle” at the Royal Academy of Arts presents over a century of artistic innovation across India and South Asia, seen through the work and legacy of the pioneering sculptor Mrinalini Mukherjee (1949–2015) and the vibrant creative community that shaped modern Indian art.

About the Exhibition: A Story of South Asian Art

Hosted in the Jillian and Arthur M. Sackler Wing of Galleries, this major group exhibition brings together around 100 works spanning sculpture, painting, drawing, textiles, ceramics and printmaking. It explores how friendships, mentorships and shared ideals forged a dynamic artistic movement that transformed the course of modern art in South Asia.

Organised by the Royal Academy of Arts in collaboration with The Hepworth Wakefield, the exhibition connects the Royal Academy’s educational heritage with two groundbreaking Indian art schools—Kala Bhavana in Santiniketan and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Baroda—whose experimental spirit shaped generations of artists. Each gallery focuses on a different location central to Mukherjee’s journey: Santiniketan, Baroda and New Delhi’s Garhi Studios.

You can read more details on the official page of the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition.

Artists and Must-See Works

At the heart of the exhibition is Mrinalini Mukherjee’s bold exploration of form and material. Her monumental macramé sculptures—crafted from hand-dyed hemp and jute—combine human and botanical shapes with a mystical presence. Later bronze and ceramic pieces extend her organic language into solid form, bridging craft and modernism.

Mukherjee’s story is told alongside that of her parents, Leela and Benode Behari Mukherjee. Leela’s sculptures and etchings draw inspiration from Nepalese woodcarving and Indian folklore, while Benode Behari—one of India’s first modern muralists—championed Contextual Modernism and continued to create collages after losing his sight.

Among other key figures are KG Subramanyan, a visionary educator whose paintings and terracotta reliefs linked folk tradition to modern design; Jagdish Swaminathan, whose paintings merge indigenous symbols with political commentary; and Nilima and Gulammohammed Sheikh, whose vibrant scrolls and paintings connect Indian storytelling with contemporary themes. Nilima Sheikh’s celebrated scroll series SongSpace (1995) is reunited here for the first time in three decades.

Planning Your Visit: Dates, Tickets & Tips

The exhibition runs from 31 October 2025 to 24 February 2026. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm (Fridays until 9 pm). Admission is from £17, with concessions available and free entry for Friends of the RA and visitors under 16. Timed entry tickets should be booked in advance online at royalacademy.org.uk. Those aged 16 to 25 can benefit from half-price tickets under the RA’s 25 & Under scheme.

Due to the fragility of some textile pieces, large bags are not allowed in the galleries. Cloakroom facilities and lockers are available on the ground floor. Photography is generally permitted without flash, but please check on arrival for restrictions on specific works.

Why Visit A Story of South Asian Art?

Because it offers a rare opportunity to see South Asian modernism through personal connections rather than isolated achievements. This is not just a retrospective of Mrinalini Mukherjee but a celebration of an artistic network that spanned generations, mediums and disciplines. Visitors will gain insight into how artists across India and South Asia merged tradition with modernity to shape a distinct visual language that continues to resonate today.

If you love discovering rarely seen works and learning about cross-cultural dialogues, this exhibition is unmissable. You can browse more shows like this in our Temporary Exhibitions in London section.

Practical Information

• Dates: 31 October 2025 – 24 February 2026
• Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm (Fridays until 9 pm) | Closed Mondays
• Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
• Tickets: From £17 | Concessions available | Under 16s free | 25 & Under half price | Book in advance at royalacademy.org.uk
• How to Get There: Nearest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus and Green Park (5-minute walk). Bus routes 9, 14, 19, 38 and Piccadilly line serve the area.

FAQs: A Story of South Asian Art at the Royal Academy of Arts

• How long is the exhibition on?

  A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle runs from 31 October 2025 to 24 February 2026.

• How much are tickets?

  Tickets start from £17. Concessions are available; under 16s go free; Friends of the RA go free. The 25 & Under scheme offers half-price tickets.

• Do I need to book in advance?

  Yes—timed tickets are recommended. Book online via the official exhibition page.

• What are the opening hours?

  Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm (last entry 5:30pm). Fridays open until 9pm (last entry 8:30pm). Closed on Mondays.

• Where is the exhibition held?

  Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, in the Jillian and Arthur M. Sackler Wing of Galleries. Nearest Tube: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus.

• Are there bag restrictions?

  Due to fragile textile works, only small bags are permitted in the galleries. Cloakroom and lockers are available on the ground floor.

Conclusion

“A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle” is a journey through modern Indian art seen from the inside out — through friendships, families and shared visions that changed the artistic landscape of an entire region. Whether you are drawn to textile art, sculpture, or the stories behind South Asia’s creative renaissance, this exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts is a highlight of London’s 2025–2026 cultural season.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in a century of South Asian creativity.

This article was curated by the London Museum Tours team. With years of experience guiding visitors through London's permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, our goal is to help you plan the perfect visit.