Nahid Merchant

Nahid Merchant is a multidisciplinary artist based
in Mumbai whose practice centres on uncovering
the beauty hidden in the ordinary. A graduate of
the Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai (1982), and a
trained interior designer from Sophia Polytechnic,
Merchant’s journey spans decades of creative
exploration, including a successful career in
fashion design before fully dedicating herself to
the fine arts in 2005.
Deeply inspired by the vibrant contradictions of
Mumbai, Merchant’s work draws from the city’s
ever-changing landscape—eroded walls, rusted
gates, distressed wood, and colourful textiles that
reflect the dreams and struggles of its inhabitants.
Her mixed-media compositions blend diverse
materials such as organza, fabric, threads,
newspaper, and magazine cutouts, employing
techniques like stitching, layering, and
impression-making to create evocative, abstract
narratives.
Organza, a fabric she extensively worked with
during her fashion career, plays a significant role
in her art, adding layers of translucence that allow
viewers to peer into the depths of her
compositions. These layers mirror the
complexities of human emotions—hope, resilience,
despair, and joy—and resonate with the dynamic
energy of the metropolis she calls home.
M...

Bachelors Of Fine Arts
Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai (1982)
Diploma in Interior Designing
Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai (1978)

Solo Exhibition
A Bridge to Art, Hirji Jehangir art gallery, Mumbai
(2013)
Two-Artist Shows
Material Memories, Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai
(2023)
Selected Group Exhibitions
Telling Time Under the Soil, Galerie Splash,
Bikaner House (2024)
Do You See What I See? 079 Studio & Tao Art
Gallery (2023)
Abstract Aesthetic, Tao Art Gallery & 079 Studio
(2019)
Abstract Stories, Tao Art Gallery (2016)
Synergy, Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai (2012)
Sensitization, Traditions Art Gallery, Mumbai
(2011)
Evolve, Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai (2010)
Dakshin Paschim, Emami Chisel Art, Kolkata
(2010)
Power of Women, Traditions Art Gallery, Mumbai
(2010)
Monsoon Show, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
(1981)
National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi (1983)

Special Projects & Contributions
Celebrating 150 Years of Income Tax, Prince of
Wales Museum, Mumbai (2010)
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Prince of Wales
Museum, Mumbai (2010)