Multimedia artist and filmmaker Doug Aitken‘s first exhibition in India is expected to open on Saturday, December 6. The exhibition, titled “Under the Sun”, will debut at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai.
Aitken, who is known for his boundary-pushing installations situated between art, film, sound, and architecture, will debut a new site-specific work as part of the show that was commissioned by the NMACC, in collaboration with more than a dozen Indian makers.
Merging traditional craft Indian and techniques with contemporary technology, the show will guide audiences through a sensory exploration of time and human experience in three phases—past, present, and future—each occupying its own floor of the building. It features a range of craft from hand-carved wooden sculptures and embroidered textiles to a light installation and screening of Aitken’s film NEW ERA (2018).
“’UNDER THE SUN’ creates a bridge between Indian and Western cultures—a dialogue across time and material. It’s a kind of modern mythology—a landscape of artworks that question where we’re going and reflect on where we’ve been,” Aitken said in a statement. “The pieces are hypnotic and exploratory—they shift between the organic and the virtual. Each floor has its own pulse: the physicality of natural materials, moving-image representation, and pure energy in motion.”
The multidisciplinary arts and culture complex aims to preserve and promote India’s cultural heritage through artistic exchange. Since opening in 2023, it has collaborated with the Dia Art Foundation, Toiletpaper, and renowned global artists.
“Now in our third year since we launched NMACC, we are excited to present this collaborative exhibition that realizes the institutions mission to foster global artistic exchange,” said Isha Ambani. “The interplay of traditional design and craft with contemporary digital technology reflects the incredible history of creativity and innovation in India, as brought to life by UNDER THE SUN. We are excited to have provided a forum where Doug and talented artisans from across the country together have created new works that tell an immersive, experiential story that will resonate deeply with both Indian and global audiences.”
“Under the Sun” will be on view at NMACC through February 22, 2026.
