This art exhibition in Mumbai dives into the lesser-known parts of Indian history

A view of the 80-metre textile installation of Namak Halal/Namak Haram at Somerset House in London earlier in the year

Before it became the bane of general physicians all around, salt was the key to India's culture and resistance. Salt Lines, the solo debut of artist duo, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin, David Soin Tappeser) reimagines the Inland Customs Line - a 4000 km hedge from Punjab to Orissa, made of thorny plants - created by the British Empire to enforce its oppressive salt tax.

Hylozoic/Desires, I and Thou, 2024, print on aluminium. Pics Courtesy/artists, Dr bhau daji lad Museum

The exhibition is also presented by the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, in collaboration with the RMZ Foundation and India Art Fair, supported by Alkazi Foundation - whose archival photographs of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March are a part of the exhibition.

Salt Print, The Chowki

So, the multi-media works, including a video - The Hedge of Halomancy, weave archival research with speculative histories. A 20-metre textile installation titled Namak Halal/Namak Haram displayed in the Museum Plaza. It is a fragment of the larger 80 metre installation that was displayed at Somerset House, London, once the Salt Office of the British Colonial era. Similarly, the Salt Prints Series uses salt as part of the development process.

(From left) Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser

"We wanted to use salt not simply as a subject, but a medium. So, through all the works, including the video, salt becomes inherent and infused in the object, carrying its history and its healing potential," shares Himali Singh Soin.

TILL February 8 2026; 10 am to 5.30 pm (except on Tuesdays)
AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East.
ENTRY Museum tickets apply