Black Cube Gallery

Black Cube has always set itself apart from a traditional art gallery. What lessons did you learn from your first space that you applied to the second one?
Black Cube was conceived in 2018 as a nomadic exhibition model, challenging the traditional gallery format by utilising unconventional spaces to present art and foster dialogue. Our goal was to make art more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Now, seven years later, we have opened our first physical space in the heart of New Delhi, yet our ethos remains unchanged. Our mission continues to be twofold: first, to bring emerging and established artists together on the same platform, breaking down invisible hierarchies; and second, to expand conversations around what art can be and how it connects with a broader audience. Through our journey, we’ve learned that while a nomadic model allows for flexibility and experimentation, having a dedicated space enables us to offer continuous programming and amplify the voices of our artists in a more sustained way. This new space is not a departure from our original vision but rather an evolution—one that allows us to deepen our impact while staying true to our core values.

What are your plans for the new gallery? What can we look forward to?
We have an exciting and dynamic calendar planned for 2025. This includes two major solo exhibitions by outstanding contemporary artists at Bikaner House in May (Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi) and September (Yashika Sugandh). In addition, our gallery will host a year-round program featuring shows every 45 days, including  an all-women artists’ exhibition, a showcase of emerging contemporary talents, and our much-anticipated return to Art Mumbai, where we will once again present our modern artists. Through this thoughtfully curated programming, we aim to foster meaningful conversations around artistic practices whilst also highlighting cutting-edge contemporary work. Following our opening exhibition, we are particularly excited about an upcoming cross-cultural dialogue between Indian artist Sudhanshu Sutar and Italian artist Andrea Zucchi—an exhibition that promises to offer fresh perspectives on the idea of language and artistic exchange.

What inspired Vocabulary of Vision?
For our first exhibition in our new permanent space, I wanted to achieve two key things. First, to reflect Black Cube’s core ethos—bringing together emerging and established artists to highlight the diverse materialities within modern and contemporary art. Second, to make a strong statement about our roster of artists and their immense talent.

Vocabulary of Vision encapsulates each artist’s unique ethos and practice, giving equal prominence to their work. The exhibition’s range of themes, visual languages, materials, and artistic approaches speaks to a broader dialogue—not only between the artworks and the viewer but also among the artists themselves. At its core, this show is a manifestation of Black Cube’s mission, setting the tone for what’s to come in our new space.

This is your first physical space. What conversations did you have about how you wanted it to look?
Finding the right space in the city was a six-month journey, yet, interestingly, we ended up choosing the very first space we saw. I didn’t have a rigid vision for how the gallery should look—I simply knew that when we found the right space, it would feel right. One of my top priorities was natural light, but beyond that, I wanted a space that felt open, inviting, and adaptable—one that could transform with each exhibition and artist’s vision. When we finally found it, we knew we were home.

Do you have a five year plan for Black Cube?
For a young gallery like our's, there are endless ambitions and dreams. Our renewed five-year plan begins with our launch on the 27th, and for the first two years, my primary focus is to do as much as possible for our artists—giving them the visibility and recognition they deserve.

Expanding beyond India is a key goal, and we are setting our sights on participating in international art fairs, starting with Dubai and Singapore, where I believe our artists will benefit from greater exposure and engagement. In the long run, I want Black Cube to be known not just as a gallery but as a platform that nurtures artists, fosters meaningful dialogue, and pushes boundaries with fresh, cutting-edge programming. Within five years, I envision Black Cube evolving into a recognized and respected name in the global art scene—one that continues to challenge conventions while offering a distinct and dynamic voice within New Delhi’s art landscape. Perhaps even a second space or collaborative projects that extend beyond traditional exhibition models. We are learning and growing every day, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Personally, what kind of art resonates with you the most?
In my early twenties, I was most drawn to experiential and immersive art. Now, what resonates with me the most are works that hold layers of meaning, pieces that are personal to the artist yet universally evocative. In the contemporary category, Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi and Yashika Sugandh are two of my top favorites. Both are distinct in their approaches, yet their practices carry immense depth. PNC’s work embodies a haunting duality; darkness and beauty coexisting in a way that feels both unsettling and mesmerizing. Yashika Sugandh, on the other hand, presents a powerful commentary on the relationship between humanity and nature, creating a dialogue that is urgent and poetic. What moves me most in an artist’s practice is when their work can say more than one thing at a time—when it holds contradictions, multiple narratives, and a sense of discovery that unfolds the more you engage with it. That complexity, to me, is what makes art truly resonate.


Words Hansika Lohani
Date 03.03.2025