Ahmedabad, March 31 : Filmmaker Tanmay Shah unveiled his six-day exhibition, ‘Borrowed Earth’, at Amdavad ni Gufa on Tuesday, presenting a compelling intersection of art, philosophy, and climate consciousness. The exhibition, featuring 26 paintings, opened to an engaged audience of art enthusiasts, environmental thinkers, and students. Rooted in the idea that the Earth is not owned but borrowed, ‘Borrowed Earth’ examines the fragile relationship between human systems and natural ecosystems. Through symbolic imagery and layered narratives, the works move beyond literal representations of climate change to explore deeper questions of responsibility, coexistence, and the impermanence of human presence.
Created over the past six months using acrylic on canvas, the 26 paintings reflect Shah’s evolving engagement with environmental themes. “Borrowed Earth is an attempt to shift the conversation from ownership to responsibility. Through this exhibition, I wanted to create a space where viewers can pause and reconsider how we inhabit this world,” Shah said at the opening. The exhibition was inaugurated by well-known policy adviser Dr. Sunil R Parekh. “I have found Tanmay’s work very deep and meaningfully depicted. The exhibition is extremely refreshing to look at. Climate Change is a very significant problem and the perspective that has been brought by the artist Tanmay Shah is breathtaking. The colours are divine, sharp, and extremely bold and attractive,” said Parekh, who is also Founding Curator AGS, World Economic Forum.
Mr. Parekh continued: “Each painting reiterates the artist’s message, creating a meaningful experience. I strongly encourage everyone to visit the show.” ‘Borrowed Earth’, as a timely cultural response to the global climate conversation, prompted visitors to express increased awareness and reflection on environmental issues. Some attendees shared that the exhibition sparked personal conversations about daily choices and actions contributing to climate change, highlighting its power to inspire thoughtful engagement. Complementing the paintings, there are also on display 26 photographs captured by Shah over the past eight years across diverse geographies. These images offer quiet yet powerful reflections on the planet’s scale, beauty, and vulnerability.
One photograph captures the Northern Lights in Alaska. “This is not light; it is solar radiation made visible as charged particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field. I travelled to Alaska to document this rare natural phenomenon,” Shah said, noting how the image reflects the delicate conditions that sustain life on Earth. Another photograph references the 72 scientists and engineers behind the iconic Eiffel Tower.
“It reminds us that some of humanity’s most celebrated creations are rooted not in aesthetics alone, but in a deep understanding of forces, materials, and limits,” he added.
Together, the paintings and photographs foster a dynamic conversation between imagination and observation, leaving viewers with a lasting invitation to reflect on their individual impact and the collective choices that shape the planet’s future. The exhibition will remain open to the public daily from 4pm to 8pm until April 5. ‘Borrowed Earth’ is Shah’s third painting exhibition, following ‘Sambandh’ (2013), presented with his father, artist Anil Shah, and his 2017 solo exhibition ‘Concoct’.
